November 28, 2006

PARK BOARD APPROVES VANCOUVER AQUARIUM’S REVITALIZATION PLAN

Vancouver, BC – Last night, the Vancouver Park Board approved the Aquarium’s revitalization plans, which include a 1.5-acre expansion to allow for larger marine mammal habitats, a revitalized public plaza, a salmon stream, improved public spaces and necessary infrastructure.

This 5-1 decision by the Park Board follows the results of a community consultation that found 89 per cent overall support for this project. Several conditions were added to the approved recommendation for expansion, but none that the Aquarium Board of Directors could not live with.

“The people of Vancouver spoke and the Park Board has listened,” said Aquarium President Dr. John Nightingale. “We applaud this decision by the Park Board. We can now begin working with Park staff on this truly exciting project.”

Some of the benefits of this revitalization plan include: larger, more diverse habitats for whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions and sea otters; space for new species like seabirds and beavers; expanded visitor spaces; new free public viewing opportunities; upgraded infrastructure; a new, publicly-accessible salmon hatchery; new public plazas and public washrooms; and new Park Board food services. In general, the expansion assures that the Aquarium can continue to be a leader in conservation and education as it continues to amaze, engage and inspire the citizens of Vancouver and visitors from around the world.

“Over the years, more than one million students have visited the Aquarium as part of their school year curriculum,” said Dr. Nightingale. “The Aquarium is and will for decades to come remain a world class leader in aquatic education and conservation thanks to the support and vision of all who stand behind it.”

For more information on the expansion, please visit www.aquariumconsultation.ca

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For further information, please contact:

Brenda Jones

Manager, Public Relations

publicrelations@vanaqua.org