I have always cared passionately for our parks and green spaces. Growing up in Vancouver was like growing up in a magical land, filled with green fields, tall trees, forests, sandy beaches and sunny days at the poolside. I want every child to be able to share this experience | Stuart
Born and raised in Vancouver, Stuart has lived and worked in rural and urban communities in Canada and overseas including, Malaysia, China, the James Bay region of northern Quebec, Victoria, Ottawa and Montreal. Stuart now lives in Vancouver's Fraserlands neighbourhood.
Stuart is active in parks and green space issues in Vancouver, with a focus on access, preservation and conservation. Stuart is a past president of the Society Promoting Environmental Conservation (SPEC) and has been a volunteer with May's Place, a free-standing hospice on the downtown east side, the Mission to Seafarers in the port area, as well as a member of the Friends of the Parks and a past board member of the Hastings Park Conservancy . Stuart blogs on park and public space issues at Better Parks for Vancouver
Stuart is a Special Education teacher at Killarney Secondary School in Vancouver, where he founded the Killarney Dragon Boat Racing Club, coached field hockey, and sponsored the Ultimate team. Stuart graduated from the University of Victoria with a BA in Anthropology and Concordia University (Montreal) with a B.Ed in Teaching English as a Second Language. Stuart completed his MA Ed in Educational Administration and Leadership from the University of Phoenix in June 2010.
Stuart has been involved in his professional association, the Vancouver Secondary Teachers’ Association (VSTA), and has served as a member of the executive, a Local Representative to the BCTF and Vice President. Stuart served for many years as a board member of the BCTF Assistance Society including two terms as Chair. Stuart is active in the campaign for full funding of public education and is an advocate for students with special needs.
Stuart is a former Director of the Wilderness Committee and Trustee of the Vancouver Public Library, and currently is Secretary of the Board of the Axis Theatre Company. Stuart is an avid Dragon Boat racer, having paddled with Gung Haggis Fat Choy in False Creek and the Unipharm Spirit Dragons on the Fraser river.
From 2008 to 2011 Stuart was an elected Commissioner of the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation representing the Green Party of Vancouver.
In 2012 Stuart continued his commitment to parks and green spaces in Vancouver by joining the Board of Directors of the Friends of Bloedel Conservancy.
What people say about Stuart:
From: VanRamblings:
In the face of an almost constant attack from the Vision majority on the Park Board, Stuart consistently acquitted himself with aplomb, dedicating himself always to the public interest, and the interests of the parks system in Vancouver. Stuart didn't always vote the way I wanted him to, but at least he was able to provide a logical rationale for why he cast a vote the way he did. In some sense, Stuart MacKinnon was the star on the last Park Board, advocating for the public interest, engaged, informed, and very much deserving of your vote in 2011.
From: Michael Geller:
I met Stuart during the last election, and while I don't know him really well, and certainly don't always agree with his positions, I think he's the most decent and dedicated person I know running for public office. He has a challenge, since he hasn't raised much money, and the Greens have been somewhat shunned by Vision. However, I would like to think that people who know him will support him, and his name recognition will help him get elected. Moreover, running for the Park Board under the Green banner seems a natural, doesn't it?
From: Alex Tsakumis:
On Saturday, save a vote for Stuart Mackinnon–he loves this city and understands the need for REASONABLE means to deal with our environmental issues. And I agree.He’s a stand up guy, who will do this city proud for the coming term–as he did last term.Please re-elect Stuart Mackinnon for Park Board.
From: Vancouver Courier:
Another incumbent to consider is lone Green Stuart Mackinnon, who has navigated the ideological divide on the board while acting as a voice of reason.
From: the Mainlander:
Over the past three years, Stuart has had the confidence and political will to stand up to dominant voices on Parks Board. When developer funded parties control every elected City authority, the ability to voice opposition is key. Stuart stands in opposition of the privatization of Vancouver parks, the expansion of the Vancouver Aquarium, or any other business taking up more park space. We believe Stuart will continue to stand up against the privatization of Vancouver Parks, which, as budgets at higher levels of government are cut, could become the most important Parks Board issue.
From Frances Bula:
Those who want to express their opposition to Vision’s handling of park-board finances could consider voting for the Green Party’s Stuart Mackinnon