Richard Hankin

b. 1939

In his first job as a regional planner Richard helped propose 40 new parks in the 1966 Lower Mainland Regional Parks Plan. He implemented this plan for the next 35 years, creating 25 new parks and greenways in the Greater Vancouver Regional District. His ingenuity and skillful negotiations helped build a world-class system of parks that enrich the Vancouver area with outdoor recreation, wildlife habitat, cultural heritage and interpretation programs. Balancing vision with pragmatism Richard established the Park Partnership Program to ensure citizen involvement in regional park decisions and opportunities for community action. Under his direction the role of regional parks shifted toward ecological site protection and greenways.

Richard outside his home in 2008
(Photo: Edith Ladu)

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To designate parks in an area like Metropolitan Vancouver takes a convincing plan and strong leadership. Parks are nestled amongst other types of land-use areas, and face challenges special to a city milieu.
(Photo: Metro Vancouver Parks)

Career:

• UBC - MA in Community Regional Planning
• GVRD Parks - manager 1978-2003
• The Land Conservancy - director 2004-present
• Pacific Parkland Foundation - director 2003-present

Awards and Recognitions:

• Public Servant Award - BC Society of Landscape Architects 2003
• Bill Mitchell Award - Institute of Public Administration 2002
• BC Nature - Community Service Award

Regional Parks:

• Thwaytes Landing
• Crippen
• Capilano River
• Lynn Headwaters
• Pacific Spirit
• Burnaby Lake
• Colony Farm
• Belcarra
• Minnekhada
• Widgeon Marsh
• Grant Narrows
• Codd Wetlands
• Blaney Bog
• Kanaka Creek
• Matsqui Trail
• Glen Valley
• Brae Island
• Derby Reach
• Deas Island
• Iona Island
• Campbell Valley
• Surrey Bend
• Douglas Island

Greenways:

• Brunette