HARO PARK FOUNTAINS RUN DRY
Despite Numerous Assurances, Nothing Changes

by James Oakes
(click images to enlarge)

It’s sure taking a long time to get the drinking fountain at Bute and Haro minipark operating again. Three years have passed since The West End Journal noticed the fountain was dry, and sent a request to the City via Van311 for it to be re-activated. Nothing was done, and there was no follow-up response. This spring, when it became apparent that the fountain would remain dry for another summer season, we reached out to Councillor Peter Meiszner on June 1, who replied promptly saying that he would put in a word with the Park Board General Manager Steve Jackson. We were reassured that it would be addressed asap.

**No refreshment to be had at the drinking fountain in haro park.** *(James Oakes Photos)*

Having had no response from the Park Board for several weeks, we followed up with an email to Meiszner and Jackson on July 6, stating: “We are writing to express our concern that we haven't heard back from you… repair of a drinking fountain is a life safety issue and needs to be addressed immediately. The hot weather has arrived and it would not be the first time that a person has died in a Vancouver park due to dehydration.”

Meiszner got back to us the next day on July 7, thanking us “… for raising the important issue of the drinking fountain being out of service, particularly during this hot summer weather.”

Two weeks later, with still no action, we sent a follow-up email on July 21 to Meiszner and Jackson, stating:

“We are very concerned that the drinking fountain in the Bute and Haro minipark is still not operating. This issue was first reported via Van311 three years ago, but the fountain has remained unrepaired and dry since then… This is a life safety issue. We have experienced the death of at least one person (Curtis Brick, Grandview Park) from dehydration just three days into a spell of hot weather in 2009. We do not want this to happen again.”

Again, Meiszner got back to us promptly on July 22: “As for the drinking fountain, Steve Jackson can hopefully provide an update as to repairs. I fully understand the health and safety concern given our hot weather, so I will also flag with our city manager and GM engineering to see if a temporary water fountain can be installed in the meantime.”

A week later, the drinking fountain is still dry.

Regarding the minipark’s central granite block water fountain, it was turned on for a short time in the spring before being shut off due to water restrictions. Shortly afterwards, we wrote to Meiszner and Jackson on May 22: “We would like to work with you, starting as soon as possible, on plans to repair or upgrade these fountains (at least two of which were originally recirculating), so that next year, and in future years, our West End parks can function as they were designed to — providing several oases in our high-density neighbourhood.”

**Socializing by a waterless fountain isn’t as cooling and calming as it should be.**

“We think it's important to keep in mind that this feature will become an even more prominent and integral focal point and resting spot as the Bute Greenway is rolled out,” we wrote in a follow-up email on June 1. “All the more reason to restore this civic amenity to its original design specifications — including retrofitting all four of the fountain's spouts, which are staggered at various levels to create a series overflowing pools — rather than the single makeshift spray spout currently in use.”

“A concern with the water feature is that when it is operating, we do not tend to have rough sleepers occupying the park. With it running, the minipark is fully used as intended, drawing children, parents, and elders — including residents of Haro Park seniors center across the street — to enjoy watching the fountain and birds,” we wrote on July 6.

“I’ve shared your email with staff who I’ve asked to provide some information on what upcoming work has been directed and supported by the Park Board related to water features.” replied Steve Jackson.

This series of email exchanges began two months ago. During this time, we were reassured twice… and still nothing…

Meanwhile as temperatures rise…

LAST MINUTE NEWS … As the August issue of The West End Journal was launching a note on City of Vancouver letterhead was found taped to the drinking fountain in Haro Park.

The fountain cited above has been decommissioned and we assume will be removed. One concern expressed by an observer was that seniors in Haro Park Centre who relax in the little park will now have to trek down to the Robson and back up the slope to their park. It’s only a block, but a bit of a push for some.

The West End Journal will provide any further updates in the September issue.