BLPA Board – Call for Expression of Interest 2024

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FRIDAY, APRIL 5

The Burnaby Lake Park Association (BLPA) is a non-profit society, and we deliver on our mandate through the work of a Board of Directors, Staff/Contractor, Committees, and the support of Metro Vancouver Regional Parks, and the Metro Vancouver community. 

To find out more about who we are and our core values, visit our page: Who We Are

The Board of Directors is responsible for establishing strategic priorities and policy for the BLPA.  

We adopted a new Strategic Plan in late 2022, and since then we have been implementing elements of it. 

Board work can involve four to ten hours per month, which includes the monthly board meeting and will depend on the season and whatever BLPA activities you choose to participate in. We have several subcommittees and subgroups that work on specific projects, and ideally, a Board member should participate in at least one of these. 

BLPA Board terms are for two years, ensuring that every year there is an opportunity for board membership renewal. At the BLPA Annual General Meeting on May 15, 2024, elections will be held to fill vacancies for the Board of Directors. 

For the upcoming term, we are seeking nature lovers who are familiar with Burnaby Lake Regional Park and have the following:

  • Belief in protecting our parks 
  • Respect for (and knowledge of) the cultures and traditions of the Indigenous peoples of Coast Salish territory
  • Appreciation for our diverse and inclusive community
  • Understanding of, or willingness to learn, how a non-profit board is run 
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills in person and via email, Zoom, and phone calls
  • Good time management skills and commitment to completing tasks/projects (if you take on a duty, you are able to fulfil your responsibilities)

The following skills (not in any order of priority) are assets but not necessary to be successful:

  • General administration, financial administration, and record keeping
  • Governance
  • Knowledge of website design and development 
  • Social media management, Email Marketing
  • Public outreach and nature-based education
  • Ecological restoration and stewardship planning
  • Project management
  • Grant writing and fundraising
  • Understanding the calls to action of Truth and Reconciliation
  • Creation of inclusive and accessible nature-themed displays

Application Process

Interested candidates are asked to prepare a resume outlining their skills and experience related to the position.The resume should be submitted with this Expression of Interest form to Victoria Bergeron, a member of the Nominating Committee, at victoriaEbergeron@gmail.com, by Friday, March 29, 2024. Your application will be forwarded to other members of the Nomination Committee, Dasha Kamalova and Tristan Yan, so you may receive a response from one of them. 

  • Download the detailed Expression of Interest here
  • Download the Expression of Interest form to complete here

We encourage everyone interested to apply, including Black, Indigenous, racialized people, and members of the queer and LGBTQ2SA+ communities. Shared values are prioritised over skills – Training and learning can be done on the go!

Thank you so much for your interest! 

So what does it mean to be on the BLPA Board? 

  • This graphic shows the general responsibilities both of the Board as a collective of its Fiduciary duties, and for the individual board member. (Click picture to enlarge.)
  • A director’s term is for two years. 
  • Learn about who we are here and our mission and vision. Additional information can be found in the BLPA’s Constitution & Bylaws in sections 5, 6 and 7.
  • The BLPA Board meets on the third Wednesday of each month, 7-9 pm, either at the Metro Vancouver Central Area office on Avalon Avenue or online.
  • Time commitment per month varies and depends on the season, but is about 4-10 hours per month.
  • Additional time spent depends on which subcommittees you join (e.g., governance, stewardship) and which volunteer activities you participate in (e.g., stewardship, outreach)
  • A basic comfort level using technology will be required. Some meetings may be held using online platforms. Our board communications are mainly done using email and telephone, and reports are done using word processing or spreadsheet programs.  
  • Timely submission of reports as required.

We appreciate our new members providing a valuable fresh perspective on things and new ideas.

If you have any further questions, you can contact the BLPA’s A/Chair, Irene Lau.