Proponents, critics of aquarium expansion clash
Referendums may be rescinded if parks board gets its way
David Carrigg, The Province
Published: Tuesday, May 30, 2006
VANCOUVER - The Vancouver parks board was asked last night to pave the way for the Vancouver Aquarium's ambitious expansion plans, despite heated opposition from animal-rights advocates.
At an overflowing parks board meeting, several people opposed to keeping dolphins and belugas in captivity asked the board to keep its promise to hold a referendum on the aquarium's future.
Parks board commissioner Marty Zlotnik had earlier in the night asked the board to reverse a previous parks board promise to hold a referendum if the aquarium wanted to expand, as well as conduct a separate referendum in 2008 asking whether Vancouverites support keeping dolphins in captivity.
Aquarium boss John Nightingale told the board earlier this month that he wants to increase the amount of public land the aquarium occupies in Stanley Park by 30 per cent.
The $80-million plan includes a new sea-otter pool, underwater viewing area for sea lions and a redeveloped dolphin facility.
The aquarium also wants to take over the parks-board-operated concession outside the facility.
"Those who oppose a referendum do so because they fear a referendum," said activist Robert Light.
Janos Mate of Whale Friends said the aquarium fears the opinion of Vancouverites.
"Keeping cetaceans in captivity is cruel in almost unconscionable levels," Mate said.
Nightingale countered by stating any referendum would go in the favour of the aquarium.
Nightingale said polling had shown support for the aquarium and keeping dolphins in captivity was higher than it has ever been.
"Contrary to what's being said, since 1991 support for the aquarium and keeping whales and dolphins has been climbing and opposition has been diminishing," he said.
However, Nightingale doesn't want a referendum, which would occur in 2008, because he wants the expansion to be complete in time for the 2010 Winter Olympics, so he can get government funding.
"Our discussions with government clearly point out that like a lot of things in Vancouver, 2010 is a magic date that everyone is working to," he said.
The aquarium has already stated it wants to acquire more dolphins for its collection.
Parks board chairwoman Heather Holden left the meeting and did not discuss or vote on the issue because she is a senior aquarium employee.
The aquarium generated almost $25 million last year and has assets worth $25 million.
The outcome of last night's parks board vote was not known by
The Province's deadline.