Attractions and events you'd like to see in Vancouver...a wish list

[mr.x]

In no particular order...


Expansion/improvements/moves of existing attractions:

1) Science World
- the planned expansion is a modest improvement, but ideally I'd like to see the Space Centre move into a much, much larger Science World
- Science World is 2.5x larger from what it is today

2) Vancouver Aquarium
- a major expansion is being planned

3) Vancouver Art Gallery
- a new building for the gallery at Larwill Park, however, something much larger than the currently planned 300,000 square foot proposal....make it 500,000 sq. feet

4) Museum of Vancouver
- move the MOV to the existing art gallery/old courthouse building...expand the space by building under the Georgia Plaza and use the UBC Robson Square space
- it includes new space for the BC Sports Hall of Fame as well as a substantial Vancouver 2010 exhibit
- total space: 150,000 square feet existing + 70,000 sq. foot UBC Robson Square + 100,000 sq. foot expansion under Georgia Plaza = 320,00 square feet total

5) Vancouver Maritime Museum
- a 400,000 square foot museum to be built at the Plaza of Nations site, tied in with the new plaza and pier to the east of it as well as a 2,000-seat performing arts centre to the west of it.

6) Pacific Centre mall expansion
- a major expansion at the Sears site, an 8-floor atrium expansion that would at least double the number of stores at the mall to 200
- there would also be a major 700-foot office tower

7) Vancouver Zoo at Hastings Park
- move the Aldergrove Zoo to a new world-class Hastings Park zoo; Playland will be moved elsewhere - see #8
- but Hastings Racecourse/casino and Empire Fields will remain
- the zoo will be publicly operated with a business plan almost identical to that of the Vancouver Aquarium (a educational and research institution, only takes in animals that can no longer survive in the wild)
- with the much more central location, it will have a significantly higher attendance than the Aldergrove Zoo...there will be a watchful public eye on how the zoo cares for its animals and the additional attendance revenue will enable the zoo to give its animals and facilities quality maintenance
- an 90 acre zoo

8) Playland and the Fair at False Creek
- a 50-acre mini-amusement park at the vacant future Creekside Park expansion site
- flame me all you want, but that huge park is just completely overkill with the existing Creekside Park north of Science World and the planned parks for Southeast False Creek
- the amusement park would be modeled after Pacific Park at the Santa Monica Pier
- it would be an "open" amusement park, meaning you can freely walk in and simply pay for the rides...no admission
- bound to be a runaway success considering its central location, three nearby SkyTrain stations, two stadiums, future casino hotel, etc.
- and yes, it'll have a 140-metre high enclosed cabin ferris wheel
- The Fair - optional: the annual fair will continue to exist with a shortened 10-day event with events and activities inside BC Place Stadium; the new Georgia steps, plaza, and boardwalk; part of Pacific Boulevard; underneath the Georgia Viaducts; Creekside Park; Andy Livingstone Park and sports fields; Dr. Sun Yat Sen Gardens; and the Chinatown Night Market will also be incorporated into the Fair as a 17-day Chinese market...each night will end with a laser and water works show in False Creek...the Fair could eventually expand into having different sites/pavilions throughout the Downtown core
- or alternative, move Playland to Surrey

9) Celebration of Light
- of course, it has funding issues as is...but expand it into a 8-night event that starts in mid-July...with higher calibre fireworks

10) Robson Square Zip Line
- bring back a permanent version of the Olympic zip line we had, with admission fees of course

11) Granville Street
- completely closed off to traffic at all times with street re-built once again into a pedestrian street with weekend event programming

12) New Years Eve!
- the precinct around Granville Street and Robson is closed for a Time Square-styled New Years Eve countdown and bash with rooftop fireworks from buildings nearby and confetti and streamers shooting into the streets
- large enough to fit 100,000 people

And there are a few more i have...but that's enough for now.



EDIT...more:

13) Canada Place pier
- Port Vancouver offices currently occupy the extension of Canada Place that was built earlier in the decade, have them vacate the space so that Cirque du Soleil can set up a show there...and of course, the triangular fixed roof would likely have to come off for some larger and more airy

14) A massive nightclub at Storyeum that can fit 1,500 people