About Constance Barnes - "Tradition of Change" It's no surprise that Constance would be interested in civic life. Constance's father was the late Emery Barnes, one of the first black politicians elected to the legislative assembly in British Columbia. He served the city of Vancouver for 24 years. Emery was particularly concerned with issues relating to social justice, community and human rights, and poverty; he definitely has passed this passion on to his daughter Constance Barnes. "Pops used the "Tradition of Change" slogan because he believed he could make a difference, well so do I. I have personally watched in horror as both the outdoor swimming pools where my children learned how to swim were filled in with sand and now look like big sand pits in the middle of a field, not even grass has replaced these outdoor pools. It breaks my heart to think that the days of swimming outdoors in our community pools and our children being able to run down the street on a hot summer day to meet their friends and splash around under the beautiful Vancouver sun and sky are gone forever! Many of the programs that my family and children had the pleasure of attending have been cut. What concerns me the most is that to me a community center is just that. It is a place where families, friends, new immigrants, and seniors can come, learn, share stories and meet new people that live in their community. It seems to me we have lost the meaning of what a community centre should be. This government has an obligation to listen to its people and use the tax payers money for the community and their needs. "What my community has told me is that it is time for change!!" I do believe that people can make a difference and I am ready to roll up my sleeves to work with all levels of government for my community to restore and replenish what we once had and all deserve. I am very passionate about Vancouver and I believe that Gregor Robertson, as Mayor, will work with Park Board to make the changes we so desperately need to keep our communities, alive and thriving." Constance has donated hundreds of hours on a number of grass roots, community initiatives, and fundraisers including: Boobalicious – 2nd annual fundraiser event for Breast Cancer coming up this Sat Sept 6th at The Dr.SunYat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. One Vision Vancouver - Fundraiser event dedicated to building natural greenhouses. One Vision Qizara Forest Conservation Committee - Fundraiser event to send Vancouver youth to Ethiopia and Costa Rica to build libraries and bring very needed school supplies. Has volunteered for Meals on Wheels for over 25 years. Member - DECLUP (The Downtown Land Use Principles Project) working to build sustainable and affordable housing. Constance has been on the board of CSES (the Canadian Special Events Society), was the Operations Manager for Storyeum (2005-2007) and is currently the Operations Manager for the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden, located in the heart of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, where she plays an ongoing role in organizing events that embrace the diverse cultural influences of Vancouver.    Constance Barnes is a single mother of two grown children.  When she's not busy with her work or family commitments, you may just spot her on TV in one of her many recurring roles as she has also been very involved with the arts, Vancouver Theater, film and television. "I would like to thank you all for your support and hope that you will come out on November 15th and support me as a Vision Vancouver candidate for Park Board." Sincerely, Constance Barnes