December 5, 2007

NEWS RELEASE

Aquarium Expansion Plans Back to Drawing Board

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. In minutes released today the Urban Design Panel concluded “…the project seemed disconnected from its environment.” (www.vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning)

“The proposed 1.5 acre Aquarium mega-complex doesn’t fit into Stanley Park’s natural environment. It’s a multi-story animal prison with a new two-story Bistro. If permitted, it will destroy the serenity of the park.” stated Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce Founding Director.

The Aquarium expansion is also subject to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act that 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. Recent attempts by Lifeforce to view the new lease have been denied by the City Legal Department.

“The more delays the better and hopefully the Aquarium won’t meet their deadlines for the 2010 Olympics.” added Hamilton., “ Stopping the expansion will help protect Stanley Park and its natural diversity of wildlife that can be found living freely for all to enjoy. The public voted against a zoo but, in addition to more dolphins, the Aquarium would expand further into the zoo business by imprisoning rivers otters, beavers, sea birds and others.”

The Aquarium will probably go back to the Urban Design Panel on Jan. 16, 2008.

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