Free admission for Indigenous people proposed for 2 popular Vancouver attractions

Vancouver's Bloedel Conservatory is seen in October 2017. (shutterstock.com)

The Vancouver Park Board will consider a proposal to give Indigenous people free admission to two popular attractions in the city.

A staff report that will be voted on next Monday suggests launching the program at VanDusen Botanical Gardens and the Bloedel Conservatory on June 21 to coincide with National Indigenous Peoples Day.

“For the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, Truth and Reconciliation is more than a ceremonial acknowledgement of these territories,” the report says.

“Providing free access to Indigenous peoples aligns with the park board’s reconciliation mission of decolonization.”

The offer of complimentary entry will be made to “any individual who self-identifies as Indigenous, First Nations, Metis or Inuit when they visit,” according to the report, which notes the policy will only apply during “regular daytime hours” and not for special events.

Admission to the garden ranges from $5.35 to $15.05 depending on the time of year and the age of the visitor. For the conservatory, prices range from $4.50 to $9, depending on age. Kids under four don’t have to pay for entry at either place.

Similar access policies is already in place at facilities that aren’t under the park board’s jurisdiction including Science World and the Museum of Anthropology.

The proposal also says the park board will track the number of people admitted for free on these grounds and that there is expected to be “minimal.”