Village of Lions Bay
Policy Statement
Regarding: Park Bench Dedication Program
Presented: January 20, 2003, February 17, 2003
Approved by Council: February 17, 2003
Purpose: The purpose of the Park Bench Dedication Program Policy is to enhance selected areas of public land in Lions Bay and to give residents the opportunity to donate a park bench to commemorate a loved one or an event, for the pleasure of all residents and visitors. The policy outlines the terms of the agreement as a partnership between the applicant and the Village of Lions Bay.
1. Application
Any person or group wishing to dedicate a park bench is invited to make application to the Village of Lions Bay and the application will include the following: a detailed description or map showing proposed location of bench. Applicants may be required to meet with the Works Superintendent to discuss their application and the location of the bench.
2. Terms of Agreement
According to this policy the Village agrees to:
a) approve a suitable location for the bench which would be on public land within the boundaries of the Village of Lions Bay. The Works Superintendent would consider the application and either approve the location or suggest an alternate location for the bench, with consideration also given to safety. Other authorities in the Village who may be affected by the placement of the bench should also be consulted.
b) purchase the bench. The bench must be of a good quality that will last for a period of at least ten (10) years. Benches would be approximately 46” in length (measured from inside arm to inside arm), constructed of cedar and treated with a suitable coating to prevent natural deterioration.
c) purchase a plaque with appropriate wording and install the plaque on the top portion of the bench. Plaques are bronze and measure 2” x 12”. Wording on the plaque must be uplifting in nature while still honouring the person or event and no dates are permitted in the wording.
d) install the bench. The bench would be installed preferably in an in-ground concrete pad approximately 2’ x 5’ x 3”, with a water proof barrier and a 4 x 3/8” stainless steel lag screw on each leg.
e) maintain the bench for a period of 10 years. The Village agrees to replace or repair the bench and/or plaque due to vandalism or wear, up to a period of ten (10) years. Benches should be properly maintained by applying a coat of linseed or similar oil once per year or more often as required if bench is located near the ocean. Benches would remain outdoors all year round. After ten (10) years, the Village would continue to maintain the bench with minimal cost for a period until the bench was no longer in reasonable condition. After ten (10) years the Village would not replace the bench due to vandalism or wear. If an applicant wishes to renew their application after the 10-year period, then their name would be added to the top of the wait list.
f) issue a tax-deductible receipt to the applicant for the donation.
3. Cost of Bench Dedication:
The cost to the applicant to dedicate a park bench which includes cost of bench, cost of plaque, installation of plaque and bench, and maintenance is:
A. $ 1200 for a James Sandison bench, or
B. $ 1500 for a Sanderson Concrete bench.
4. Options:
The following options are available and must be agreed to by the applicant at the time of approval. The Works Superintendent would decide if the condition of the bench was beyond minor repair.
Option A: Cost would include cost of bench, plaque and installation. Maintenance by the Village would be limited to varnishing and minor repairs to the bench but not replaced if beyond minor repair. Total cost to the applicant would be reduced by $300.
Option B: Cost would include cost of bench, plaque and installation. The applicant would agree to maintain the bench including varnishing and minor repairs. The applicant would replace the bench if beyond minor repair. Total cost to the applicant would be reduced by $500.
5. Suggested Suppliers:
The local suppliers for benches are:
James Sandison (604-926-2562) or
Sanderson Concrete (Capilano Bench) (604-580-4108
The local supplier for plaques is:
Ornamental Bronze, Richmond: 604-273-9058.
