November 22, 2007

NEWS RELEASE

City Planners Say No to Aquarium Expansion

On November 21st the City of Vancouver’s Urban Design Panel voted 4 to 1 in non-support of the Vancouver Aquarium’s Development Permit Application. Normally the process stops and the Aquarium will have to redesign to address issues.

The Aquarium expansion is also subject to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act which will include studying the impact on Stanley Park that is designated a National Historic Site. Stanley Park is owned by the Federal government and was leased to the City of Vancouver for 99 years under an agreement that recently expired on November 1, 2007.

“Lifeforce has continued to campaign against continued major Aquarium expansions that will destroy more precious parkland and imprison more animals. The public voted against a zoo but, in addition to more dolphins, the Aquarium will expand further into the zoo business by imprisoning rivers otters, beavers, sea birds and others.” stated Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce Founding Director, ”Hopefully this reprieve will help protect the natural diversity of wildlife that can be found living freely in Stanley Park for all to enjoy.”

For further information: Peter Hamilton 604-649-5258 or lifeforcesociety@hotmail.com