[mr.x2]

Visit www.canadadayfireworks.ca


SUNDAY, JULY 1ST, 2007 @ 10:30 PM

The 2007 Canada Day Burrard Inlet Fireworks Show will be a two barge high-altitude fireworks display. One barge will be located in Coal Harbour and viewable from the North Shore, Canada Place and Vancouver. The second barge will be located off the shores of Ambleside and viewable from both West Vancouver and parts of south Vancouver (Kitsilano, Jericho and Stanley Park). The show will be approximately 25 minutes in length. The two barge approach will ensure crowds are dispersed throughout the municipalities and Canada Place and will create a unique coordinated multi-community event.

- Radio station TBD beginning at 10:00pm
- 350,000 – 500,000 people

The shows will last approximately 25 min.


Vancouver group aims to revive fireworks tradition

Linda Nguyen, Vancouver Sun
Published: Thursday, May 24, 2007

A new group is bringing back Canada Day fireworks to Vancouver -- with or without funding from the city.

The Burrard Inlet Fireworks Society has organized a 25-minute fireworks show to be set off simultaneously at Canada Place and Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver on July 1.

This will be the first time fireworks will be set off in Vancouver on Canada Day since 2003.

The new group, spearheaded by West Vancouver Coun. John Clark, consists of North Vancouver, West Vancouver and Canada Place, which have joined forces to fund and organize the fireworks show.

According to an engineering department report going to city council Tuesday, the group is asking the city for a $10,000 grant to fund the show and $55,000 for police and cleanup costs.

But Vancouver Coun. Peter Ladner is wary about where the money will come from.

"There's a lot of spending sensitivity in council right now. We're spending a comparable amount of money on the Celebration of Light and we can't afford two [shows] like that," he said.

Canada Day fireworks in Vancouver were cancelled four years ago due to crowding and financial issues.

The council report recommends approval of the request, and suggests the funding come from this year's "contingency reserve or existing departmental budgets."

Ladner said that's not feasible.

"Although I would love this to be successful, I'm going to be asking some tough questions because I don't want this to be carried on the backs of the taxpayers," he said.

In the past, fireworks celebrations on the nation's birthday were funded federally, Ladner added.

According to its website, the group is expecting as many as 500,000 people to watch the fireworks, but doesn't expect crowding to be a problem.

The fireworks will go off higher in the sky than normal, meaning they will be visible from various locations across Greater Vancouver.

"We are excited to renew this celebratory component of our nation's birthday," the group said in a written release.

It does not give the total cost of the fireworks display.

For more information, visit www.canadadayfireworks.ca

lnguyen@png.canwest.com


© The Vancouver Sun 2007

[deasine]

WHAT? OMG! Thats a first for Vancouver. I welcome fireworks =D

[excel]

Great news for Canada day. Thanks.

[ckkelley]

I'm guessing there's some kind of logistical issue that prevents everybody from gettin' together and holding the Celebration of Light a month earlier with a special "Canada Day" version?

[David]

Interesting. There are fireworks each year at Ambleside, and they are nothing to write home about. I wonder if that will change for this.

[bils]

I'm guessing there's some kind of logistical issue that prevents everybody from gettin' together and holding the Celebration of Light a month earlier with a special "Canada Day" version?

along the same lines, why don't they just haul that barge out to english bay and have the canada day fireworks there? it's a proven location, and it's a much better gathering place for any daytime festivities they may have in mind.

[raggedy13]

Great to hear. Perhaps Vancouverites are finally putting a little effort into getting rid of that "no fun city" image. I hope funding for them won't be a problem.

[mr.x2]

Great to hear. Perhaps Vancouverites are finally putting a little effort into getting rid of that "no fun city" image. I hope funding for them won't be a problem.

it's going ahead with or without city funding.

[officedweller]

As long as they publicize the existence of Coal Harbour Green Park, crowding shouldn't be an issue. Back when the overcrowding existed, I don;t think that Harbour Green Park had been finished yet.

[baggab]

Great to hear. Perhaps Vancouverites are finally putting a little effort into getting rid of that "no fun city" image. I hope funding for them won't be a problem.

I never knew where that image came from, probably from people that are only used to "Canadian" or "North American" culture.

I'm curious, what is the criteria that makes a city "fun".

[mr.x2]

I never knew where that image came from, probably from people that are only used to "Canadian" or "North American" culture.

I'm curious, what is the criteria that makes a city "fun".

We were given the "No-Fun city" name because of the lack of civic events we had. Think about it.....the Air Canada golf tournament was cancelled, we lost the Indy, PNE was downsized, we have no New Years Eve celebration, and we don't have Canada Day fireworks.

[baggab]

We were given the "No-Fun city" name because of the lack of civic events we had. Think about it.....the Air Canada golf tournament was cancelled, we lost the Indy, PNE was downsized, we have no New Years Eve celebration, and we don't have Canada Day fireworks.

Meh, I could hardly care. There are so many other events I've seen and enjoy around here.

PNE was almost always lame. Indy wasn't that spectacular, Nascar is more popular in North America. I wouldn't count a golf tournament as something that would make a city "fun". It doesn't exactly a social event. New Years has always been more fun at an establishment that caters to your own tastes. The only civic new year's I'd like to go to is the iconic New York City, Times Square.

Canada Day on the other hand, I wouldn't really have a reference. I geuss Ottawa is about the only one that'd be interesting.

For the most part, there are very few good civic events. They're usually generic. I'm talking about all cities.

I'm still not convinced, tell me something other cities of simular size that overshadows us so much?

Like I stated before, alot of other things are here that appeal to the large cultural events that visible minorities enjoy. That you're able to as well.

[mr.x2]

Meh, I could hardly care. There are so many other events I've seen and enjoy around here.

PNE was almost always lame. Indy wasn't that spectacular, Nascar is more popular in North America. I wouldn't count a golf tournament as something that would make a city "fun". It doesn't exactly a social event. New Years has always been more fun at an establishment that caters to your own tastes. The only civic new year's I'd like to go to is the iconic New York City, Times Square.



wow, great excuse you have.:rolleyes:

[baggab]

wow, great excuse you have.:rolleyes:

You still haven't presented anything other cities of comparable size that makes them so much more fun. Explain to me in your perspective how great those civic event are and how people love them? If they were great they'd stay. Number of events isn't what matters, it's the quality.

My main excuse was the other cultural events that happen which substitute/compete for it and try to remain constructive, instead of acting childish. I haven't seen you be like this before until now.

[mr.x2]

You still haven't presented anything other cities of comparable size that makes them so much more fun. Explain to me in your perspective how great those civic event are and how people love them? If they were great they'd stay. Number of events isn't what matters, it's the quality.

My main excuse was the other cultural events that happen which substitute/compete for it and try to remain constructive, instead of acting childish. I haven't seen you be like this before until now.

It's about giving our citizens more options, and the attendance shows the city loves these events. And just look at the attendance......thousands attended the Air Canada golf tournament, more than a million each year go to the Fair @ the PNE, the Indy attracts around 300,000 spectators, the Celebration of Light has 250,000-400,000 spectators each night (and this is only the English Bay area), and the Canada Day fireworks we had before drew hundreds of thousands as well.

These are great events, but why are they moving out? Though the citizens love these events, there's a lack of corporate sponsorship and we're in a city that is governed by an anti-event party, the NPA. They were the ones that cancelled the Canada Day fireworks due to "crowding" issues....since when does an event become a victim of its own success? And it was this same party, along with the VPD, that told everyone in the city to stay home rather than go to the new millennium countdown at Science World....not to mention we didn't have a proper New Years Eve celebration while every other city was partying like never before.

And what other cultural events are you talking about that substitute/compete with it?

[baggab]

The PNE for the most part hasn't changed much, The core is still there all they did is really cut the fat. I still see all the same noticable attractions still there. PNE still gets a pretty large attendance.

Doe's every city have a Celebration of Light festival. I'm not saying we have alot more, but when it comes down to it. I think everything ends up evening out. A 4-day event is more in number and it does cost the city a pretty penny.

As for New Year's I've always seen most people enjoy private events more. There's just too many individual tastes. Thou, if it came down to it, would you sacrifice Celebration of Light for New Year's and Canada Day? Cause when it comes down to it these late night events are really expensive. Alot of those Bus Drivers are working overtime, Police are probably being paid overtime, helicopters etc etc is expensive.

As for the Indy, I never knew the exact reason why it left. Thou if it provided enough economic stimulis it wouldn't of left. If it left because lack of sponsors then that's unfortunate.

Personally, I think the value of events that are outside the tradtional celebration days are the best, because you'll always know some private or a friends function to go to.

Jazz Festival
Fringe Festival
Dragonboat
Chinese New Year and Other Cultural New Years Celebrations not always on the same day in a given year.
Bhangra (I don't know if I spelled that right)
International Film Festival
Celtic Festival
Japanese Festival
Night Markets
Latin Festival
Phillipino Cultural Events (Several of them in a year)

Those are some that I can think about right now. For the most part there is "something" happening. I find that with the amount of competing forces, personal sporting activities, that there are these many events in Vancouver.

Anyways, we had a tax cut for 2007 2nd half would you rather have that or more events? If more people peitition about that and want that then it can happen. In the end thou, I think we'll have some of these events back eventually. The costs of the olympics and the possibility of it's legacy would put any politician less adverse to risk.

In the end, I'd say... it all evens out.

[mr.x2]

As for the Indy, I never knew the exact reason why it left. Thou if it provided enough economic stimulis it wouldn't of left. If it left because lack of sponsors then that's unfortunate.

It had to do with sponsorship, since the event was going to be around only for one more year because of Olympic Village construction on the track, and sponsor weren't willing to invest in something so short-term, because sponsors usually profit by investing in long-term things.

[smasher000]

My main excuse was the other cultural events that happen which substitute/compete for it and try to remain constructive, instead of acting childish. I haven't seen you be like this before until now.

Mr.x2 is usually snappish when he doesnt get his own way

[Nutterbug]

I'm guessing there's some kind of logistical issue that prevents everybody from gettin' together and holding the Celebration of Light a month earlier with a special "Canada Day" version?

I'm guessing since Vancouver's at a far northern latitude (moreso than Toronto), it wouldn't get dark enough early enough if it were held too close to the summer solstice.

[mr.x2]

Mr.x2 is usually snappish when he doesnt get his own way

or when people say really stupid things...

[mr.x2]

Jazz Festival
Fringe Festival
Dragonboat
Chinese New Year and Other Cultural New Years Celebrations not always on the same day in a given year.
Bhangra (I don't know if I spelled that right)
International Film Festival
Celtic Festival
Japanese Festival
Night Markets
Latin Festival
Phillipino Cultural Events (Several of them in a year)


i'm sorry, but exactly how many people go to these minuscule second-rated events? second-rated compared to the big ones: Celebration of Light, PNE, Indy, etc.

these aren't the exact type of events most would get really excited about. they're great and all, and adds to the diversity of a city for its communities and almost act like tile fillers....but what about those big city gatherings?

[ckkelley]

I'm guessing since Vancouver's at a far northern latitude (moreso than Toronto), it wouldn't get dark enough early enough if it were held too close to the summer solstice.

But that doesn't stop the "semi-regular" Canada Day fireworks.

What gives?

[baggab]

i'm sorry, but exactly how many people go to these minuscule second-rated events? second-rated compared to the big ones: Celebration of Light, PNE, Indy, etc.

these aren't the exact type of events most would get really excited about. they're great and all, and adds to the diversity of a city for its communities and almost act like tile fillers....but what about those big city gatherings?

Those might not be events you might get excited about. Many of these are multi-day events and would eventually even out. If you been to them they're usually pretty crowded.Some people love immense event's, which is fine. Night Market alone has 2 million visitors over the summer.

Anyways, I said it all evens out. We have the Olympics the amount of people/big city gatherings will make up for the lack of them for the last 4 years. Financially, there is only so much money to go around for events.

Just remember what you love and like isn't what everyone else does. If people really wanted these events there would of been a uproar and for the most part it wasn't loud enough. Well... I said what I want to say, thou apparently it's stupid.

[smasher000]

or when people say really stupid things...

No, you call people stupid and attack them for no reason. When somebody disagrees with you because of differnce of opinions it's wrong to claw at them. (you've called me an idiot like three different times)

Sometimes people don't have their facts straight, and a forum is supposed to help people gather facts, not be called idiots.

You're not so perfect yourself! MANY times you have been wrong.

[SpongeG]

As long as they publicize the existence of Coal Harbour Green Park, crowding shouldn't be an issue. Back when the overcrowding existed, I don;t think that Harbour Green Park had been finished yet.

yeah the last time they happenned i was at it at that park - it was completely fenced off and people crowded along the still being done seawall and stuff

now that the park is open and the seawall etc done it should provide a lot of space to view - plus the upper level park with the upside down chruch is there now providing more room etc etc

[EastVanMark]

Meh, I could hardly care. There are so many other events I've seen and enjoy around here.

PNE was almost always lame. Indy wasn't that spectacular, Nascar is more popular in North America. I wouldn't count a golf tournament as something that would make a city "fun". It doesn't exactly a social event. New Years has always been more fun at an establishment that caters to your own tastes. The only civic new year's I'd like to go to is the iconic New York City, Times Square.

Canada Day on the other hand, I wouldn't really have a reference. I guess Ottawa is about the only one that'd be interesting.

For the most part, there are very few good civic events. They're usually generic. I'm talking about all cities.

I'm still not convinced, tell me something other cities of simular size that overshadows us so much?

Like I stated before, alot of other things are here that appeal to the large cultural events that visible minorities enjoy. That you're able to as well.

Maybe you don't care, but many living in the Vancouver do. Sure the PNE is lame now, but that wasn't always the case. Indy not that spectacular? A quarter million people who turned out for a better part of a decade, had a different opinion. The GVO or Air Canada Open drew some of the better crowds the PGA had, despite lack of many big-name golfers participating. Again, not for everyone, but to those who went, it is sorely missed. Ditto for New Year's celebrations.

Need an example of comparable events done better in other cities: look no further than the Calgary Stampede. This event is literally setting attendance records year after year, so much so that the city tore down a whole neighborhood to accommodate a serious expansion of the whole grounds in order to meet the demands for the ever increasing crowds. What did we do in Vancouver? We tore down a bunch of buildings from the 30's, and replaced them with a seldom used pond that is now a haven for drug users. The results? Predictable. While the Stampede sets new records EVERY year (with no signs of slowing), Vancouver has trouble keeping up to records set in the early nineties (the 1991 attendance record being broken ONLY as a result of getting perfect weather for the fair for the first time in 25 years).

[mr.x2]

Maybe you don't care, but many living in Vancouver do. Sure the PNE is lame now, but that wasn't always the case. Indy not that spectacular? A quarter million people who turned out for a better part of a decade, had a different opinion. The GVO or Air Canada Open drew some of the better crowds the PGA had, despite lack of many big-name golfers participating. Again, not for everyone, but to those who went, it is sorely missed. Ditto for New Year's celebrations.

Need an example of comparable events done better in other cities: look no further than the Calgary Stampede. This event is literally setting attendance records year after year, so much so that the city tore down a whole neighborhood to accommodate a serious expansion of the whole grounds in order to meet the demands for the ever increasing crowds. What did we do in Vancouver? We tore down a bunch of buildings from the 30's, and replaced them with a seldom used pond that is now a haven for drug users. The results? Predictable. While the Stampede sets new records EVERY year (with no signs of slowing), Vancouver has trouble keeping up to records set in the early nineties (the 1991 attendance record being broken ONLY as a result of getting perfect weather for the fair for the first time in 25 years).

Very well said. Everytime i go to/near the PNE, i gawk at the useless lake we've built. Everything about the fair is now mediocre....with some of the lamest shows around, a pitiful parade, and a once great fireworks display that has been since turned into a mediocre "pyro-spectacular".

[smasher000]

Oh well, its not always about the events - you can nit-pick all you want. Its about the company that you bring!

[baggab]

Need an example of comparable events done better in other cities: look no further than the Calgary Stampede. This event is literally setting attendance records year after year, so much so that the city tore down a whole neighborhood to accommodate a serious expansion of the whole grounds in order to meet the demands for the ever increasing crowds.

I find the Calgary Stampede as something relatively unique, we don't have very many country events in Canada. I don't enjoy it paticularly, but it has it's appeal. If we created or had something that was themed instead of something you'd find in practically every city. I haven't seen anything spectacular in PNE now or 10 years ago. It was very generic. What do you miss from the old PNE?

[tintinium]

The crash-up Derby. I miss the crash-up derby.

[EastVanMark]

I find the Calgary Stampede as something relatively unique, we don't have very many country events in Canada. I don't enjoy it paticularly, but it has it's appeal. If we created or had something that was themed instead of something you'd find in practically every city. I haven't seen anything spectacular in PNE now or 10 years ago. It was very generic. What do you miss from the old PNE?

I miss the parade for one. I also miss the overall size of the grounds. I also hate how some of the attractions have been pared down or in some cases eliminated all together. (demo derby being the most sorely missed). Each and every year the PNE has to turn down vendors, shows, and exhibitors due to lack of space. To make matters even worse it seems that the downsizing has just begun. One of the plans gaining momentum would see Playland move from its current location down to the parking lot east of the racetrack. The plan would also call for the further demolition of even more buildings forcing attractions into those cheesy tents making the once mighty PNE into a small town county fair.

[cornholio]

^The only solution I see is to finaly get Playland and the PNE moved out of Vancouver to hopefully somewhere near skytrain access...Surrey around Scott rd station would be perfect and infact I though that was one of the plans at one point. Scott rd would be centraly located in the region and it would have a crap load of land to quadruple or more the size. Somewhere in Richmond would also be good but most of the land there is in the ALR so that leaves very few good options.

[mr.x2]

^ or we could've had a really nice world-class "Disney-type" amusement theme park that would've also be home to the PNE at Burns Bog. A 2000 acre development with a 800 acre amusement park and the rest being a movie studio and resort. But the Liberals turned it down and now it's a nature preserve.

[j4893k]

hmm... sacrificing something that only exists in a few places world-wide only to get something that almost every city has. brilliant!

[mr.x2]

hmm... sacrificing something that only exists in a few places world-wide only to get something that almost every city has. brilliant!

well i'm just saying, after the project was cancelled we didn't hear much about anything and the PNE has been slowly deteriorating even more ever since...and yea, i do agree that the Bog should be saved.

[j4893k]

speaking of burns bog, a piece of it is ablaze as i type this. so you might notice today being extra smoggy.

[cornholio]

In a way im for saving the bog but in the end its prone to fires, and bad ones at that since the fires burn deep underground and with these fires the health of the entire valley is put at risk. When the lowermainland fills with smoke from these fires then its worse then the smogiest of days anywhere else in NA. I also have no doubt that as this region grows in population that these fires will become more and more common and each of these fires can burn underground for years. Having said this theres no way in hell that this bog will ever be developed now so its pointless anyways and hopefully its the right decision. Though we must remeber that this bog in the end is in a big city and a growing region so some priorities should be set, im not so sure that having a bog in the midle of it is in our regions long term interest and we must remeber that this is a city and not a nature reserve. There are countless other areas in BC beter suited for such protection.

[hollywoodnorth]

speaking of burns bog, a piece of it is ablaze as i type this. so you might notice today being extra smoggy.

YET again >> http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&ned=us&q=burns+bog&btnG=Search+News

why dont we just cut this thing down again? ;)

[mr.x2]

^ it's an annual tradition, one of our regional events: Bog Burning BC 2007!

It's not as bad as the 2005 fire according to Global and it's going out faster than expected. The different between the 2005 fire is the fire was deep in the peat. This time around, it appears to be only a surface fire:
http://media.canada.com/8975269b-0529-4353-a446-596d133824d2/SUN0529%20Bogfire-1.jpg

[SpongeG]

i went to the PNE for the first time ever last year - i didn't think much of it - vendors selling crap, over priced food and not much else

[j4893k]

In a way im for saving the bog but in the end its prone to fires, and bad ones at that since the fires burn deep underground and with these fires the health of the entire valley is put at risk. When the lowermainland fills with smoke from these fires then its worse then the smogiest of days anywhere else in NA. I also have no doubt that as this region grows in population that these fires will become more and more common and each of these fires can burn underground for years. Having said this theres no way in hell that this bog will ever be developed now so its pointless anyways and hopefully its the right decision. Though we must remeber that this bog in the end is in a big city and a growing region so some priorities should be set, im not so sure that having a bog in the midle of it is in our regions long term interest and we must remeber that this is a city and not a nature reserve. There are countless other areas in BC beter suited for such protection.

Paving the bog would be far more detrimental to the eco-system than the smoke that a fire would produce every two years or so. Yes, the bog is in a big city but not only is it surrounded mostly by precious farm land, it is one of a few bogs of its kind left in the world. To add to that, the only development that delta would allow would most likely be low-density commercial and possibly light industrial. Apart from the latter, i don't really see how that is very beneficial to the region.

[paradigm4]

^ or we could've had a really nice world-class "Disney-type" amusement theme park that would've also be home to the PNE at Burns Bog. A 2000 acre development with a 800 acre amusement park and the rest being a movie studio and resort. But the Liberals turned it down and now it's a nature preserve.

I'd love to hear more about this if you wouldn't mind. For some reason, I remember my grandma telling me years back about a Disneyland in Vancouver, though I don't know if this is the same thing you are talking about. I'm glad they kept the bog, but it'd be interesting to hear what the development proposal was.

I've been trying to figure what's the deal with the "no fun" label. However, I do agree that Vancouver barely runs any big festivals or events these days. As a teenager from Surrey, I'm amazed to hear the PNE ever had a parade! To me, big civic events are one of the things that create an identity for a city. Just as was said before, NYC is iconic for it's Times Square New Year's. London also has a pretty big one incorporating the Eye. Regardless of your opinion on whether or not holidays or events should be defined by civic, individual or small business, I think it's the real "big" ones that are of most importance. The more people that get together in one place and interact with one another, the better. And, it is about giving people choices, of course.

New Year's is a toughie. But, wouldn't it be nice for all those people holding personal parties downtown to also be able to look out their super expensive apartments and see fireworks? I don't see how that's a downside. Canada has a tradition of funding things to provide equity to all, such as healthcare, and if that means throwing some money to help support a Canada Day fireworks celebration that brings together families and friends in celebration of our country, why not?

Events like the Celebration of Light are fantastic, and even that was threatened to have been cancelled for this year. If corporate sponsorships are failing, maybe we need to come up with more creative solutions to fund these events. Obviously, government funding is part of it, but maybe there are ways to actually raise money during the event. Merchandise is an obvious one. We need out-of-the-box solutions here though.

Off the top of my head, what are the big Vancouver events, in order of largest to smallest?

- Snow days ;)
- Sun Run
- Celebration of Light
- PNE/Playland
- Gay Pride Parade
- Santa Claus Parade
- Cloverdale Rodeo
- International Film Festival
- Dragon Boat festival
- Stanley Park Train (for Halloween and Christmas)
- Polar Bear Swim

A bit of friendly rivalry might up the ante however. What do you Vancouverites think about the fact that Surrey continues to run great Canada Day events + fireworks that continue to grow each year?

[mr.x2]

^ i agree. and also add in the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Chinese New Year Parade.

[mr.x2]

Canada Day fireworks get green light
Last Updated: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 | 8:42 AM PT
CBC News

Vancouver city council has approved plans to resurrect the Canada Day fireworks show over the water at Canada Place, with the city contributing $65,000 toward the cost of staging the pyrotechnics.

The annual show had been cancelled four years ago, after a spectator was stabbed.

But Canada Place CEO Mike Shardlow has been working to revive the event, helping to establish the Burrard Inlet Fireworks Society. Members include Canada Place, all three North Shore municipalities and now the City of Vancouver.

"I think this is a great day for Canadians. I'm a proud Canadian to bring the fireworks back. I think this is fantastic," said Shardlow.

Each municipality will kick in $10,000 to cover the fireworks, which will be launched from two barges, one off Coal Harbour and the other closer to the North Shore.

Vancouver will also pick up a $55,000 tab for policing and park maintenance.

Coun. David Cadman said he didn't want to be a spoilsport, but he worried that the crowds could grow to rival those of the annual Celebration of Light fireworks over English Bay.

"I suspect we're going to see a police bill that's considerably higher, a cleanup bill that's considerably higher and an engineering bill that's considerably higher," he said.

"We've seen this game before. The actual costs go much higher, and all of a sudden it's an institution, and then you say, 'Hey, this was never part of our budget, never programmed, it came in out of left field.' "

The city agreed to the funding on a one-time basis and hopes the federal government will help out with the costs next year.

Const. Howard Chow said there are a number of policing issues.

"It's a difficult area to police," said Chow, a police department spokesman. "The volume of people that it might attract is a concern, just to ensure that an event like this can be policed safely."

[SpongeG]

there was a plan to build an amusement park in surrey - michael jackson was said to be involved - there was also going to be a movie studio built alonjg with it - a big aquarium stage or something - it was to go in surrey near the river at scott road

[mr.x2]

there was a plan to build an amusement park in surrey - michael jackson was said to be involved - there was also going to be a movie studio built alonjg with it - a big aquarium stage or something - it was to go in surrey near the river at scott road

would be nice if the project could be revived.

[EastVanMark]

Paramount were looking into acquiring Playland years ago but decided against it when informed their plans to develop the rest of the PNE grounds went against the area's greening initiatives. (the current site of lake in the middle of the property).

During the mid 90's the government purchased a large track of land in Surrey currently home to a number of salvage yards, and planned to develop a a massive destination theme park with a large Casino/hotel complex that would have been run with the help of a major theme park operator. The deal died following an election even though the province still owned the property and rented it out for movie shoots until about 2002.

[mr.x2]

^ didn't we sell that parcel of land in Surrey? would be great if we could buy it back, as long as it isn't developed already.

i honestly still don't get why the hell we build a lake in Hastings Park. it's absolutely retarded....how many people actually use it?

i say turn Hastings Park into our own little Alton Towers: a theme park in a man-made forest:
http://www.picturesofengland.com/pictures/500/Alton_Towers_Theme_Park_1109010270.jpg

[Nutterbug]

there was a plan to build an amusement park in surrey - michael jackson was said to be involved - there was also going to be a movie studio built alonjg with it - a big aquarium stage or something - it was to go in surrey near the river at scott road

http://www.zooass.com/games/neverland/neverland.shtml

[paradigm4]

Paramount were looking into acquiring Playland years ago but decided against it when informed their plans to develop the rest of the PNE grounds went against the area's greening initiatives. (the current site of lake in the middle of the property).

During the mid 90's the government purchased a large track of land in Surrey currently home to a number of salvage yards, and planned to develop a a massive destination theme park with a large Casino/hotel complex that would have been run with the help of a major theme park operator. The deal died following an election even though the province still owned the property and rented it out for movie shoots until about 2002.

Wow, no offense, but that certainly sounds like something the NDP would do. Not a bad idea reserving the land, though I don't know if the government should be involved in such a property once running. That's too bad it fell through; Surrey really could've used such a project to spur development near Whalley and give the city some identity. Of course, it would probably kill the PNE though.

So, from what I gather, Paramount was approached to run something similar to their park in Ontario? Or, do you know what any potential plans were? Could you maybe explain some of the story which I assume involved moving Playland to Surrey?

If a theme park were to be built, I don't think the PNE site is the best for it. While it would be nice and close to downtown, there's no rapid transit connection, nor is the site large enough to really build it out. That's unfortunate the plans with Surrey fell through though. Do you know if they could be restarted again with the proper political will?

[EastVanMark]

:previous: Paramount wanted to develop the entire PNE site. This ran in conflict to the city of Vancouver's wishes to have all of the PNE grounds turned into green space, so the plan died before it ever saw the light of day. Also during this time, the PNE's lease with the city of Vancouver was expiring, and Playland's mere existence also were in the way of the greening initiatives.

As a result, the provincial government bought up land in that industrial area in Surrey and planned to move both the PNE and Playland there. That idea stalled when the province and the private operator could not come to terms over who was going to pay for what and who would get what; (in terms of money). While the 2 sides were figuring things out, A new government came to power and squashed the deal almost immediately after being elected. The land in Surrey was sold a couple years later.