Aquarium launches expansion PR campaign

The Vancouver Aquarium has kicked off a month-long campaign to win public approval for its planned $80-million expansion.

The plans would see the aquarium area in Stanley Park grow by 50 per cent, taking over much of the old zoo area.

It would also mean the loss of more than 30 trees.

Aquarium president Dr. John Nightingale said the expansion would mean bigger pools, more research space and more animals.

"Up to eight beluga whales, up to eight white-sided dolphins, the same [Stellar sea lions] we have now, new beavers, as well as a lot of new fish, a much more complete set of B.C. animals and a much more complete set of Arctic animals."

Nightingale said the $300,000 public relations campaign is aimed at convincing the public that the benefits will outweigh the losses.

"We know we hear from an activist negative side quite frequently, and we hear from the aquarium supporters," he said.

"What we want to find out is, what do all those people in the middle who don't often speak up, what do they think?"

The Vancouver Park Board will make the final decision on the expansion plans in late November.