Vancouver Park Board Approves Sponsorship and Naming Rights Policy

The Vancouver Park Board has approved a new policy framework allowing city staff to pursue sponsorship and naming rights agreements for recreation facilities — part of an effort to generate non-tax revenue to support parks infrastructure, programming, and services.

While proponents see the move as a pragmatic response to aging facilities and limited funding, some commissioners expressed skepticism about its revenue potential and broader impact.

The policy does not permit the naming of parks themselves, and all naming agreements over $250,000 will require park board approval. Commissioners emphasized that public input and brand appropriateness will be considered before final decisions are made.

The initiative aligns with approaches taken by other cities and is intended to help address capital shortfalls without increasing user fees or property taxes.