Stanley Park in Vancouver is protected from commercialization and redevelopment.

Why are National Historic Sites in Ottawa not granted the same rights.

House of Commons Ottawa June 17, 1988.  The Right Hon. John N. Turner (Leader of the Opposition):" Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, June 19, the Board of Parks and Recreation of the City of Vancouver will be celebrating a century of service and marking the 100th anniversary of Stanley Park.

The first resolution of the First City of Vancouver petitioned the then Dominion Government to grant what was at the time a government military reserve to the city for a public park. Ottawa consented to lease the park to the city for 99 years, and Lord Stanley of Preston, then Governor General of Canada, gave his name to the park with these memorable words " To the use and enjoyment of people of all colours, creeds and customs for all time, I name thee Stanley Park."

You and I know, Mr. Speaker, that Stanley Park is famous for its many features, from the zoo and the acquarium, to Lumbermen's Arch, Pauline Johnson's Memorial, the beautiful totem poles and, of course, the Lord Stanley monument.

But it is the park itself, an island of green shining like an emerald jewel in the middle of a large urban setting, which is the major attraction for tourists and citizens alike. The fact that Stanley Park has retained much of its original natural and uncluttered beauty is a tribute to the people of Vancouver who have been vigilant over the years in their efforts to protect the park from overdevelopment and from commercialization.

I am sure I speak on your behalf as well, as a neighbouring Member of Parliament, Mr. Speaker, when I say that all of our constituents in Vancouver Quadra, Vancouver South, and other constituencies of Vancouver join me in congratulating the Vancouver Park Board on its role in preserving Stanley Park over the last century and for future generations."