PARK BOARD COMMISSIONER VOWS TO KEEP BLOEDEL CONSERVATORY OPEN

NPA Park Commissioner Ian Robertson says attendance at Bloedel Conservatory has tripled during December

Vancouver, BC – Attendance at the Bloedel Conservatory has more than tripled during the month of December 2009 versus 2008 and revenues have more than doubled during the same period.  I have heard loud and clear from residents from every corner of Vancouver that they want the Park Board to keep the Conservatory operating and in public hands, says Commissioner Ian Robertson.

“The Conservatory is a treasured icon and the public want it saved” says Robertson.  “The past five years have not been kind to the Conservatory.  With the re-development of the reservoir and Canada Line construction, Queen Elizabeth Park and the Conservatory have not been an attractive or a convenient place to visit.”

 The Vancouver Park Board voted 4-3 in November to shut down the Conservatory and have issued an RFP for a private operator to run the Conservatory.  Interested parties have until April 30, 2010 to respond with a business case.  If no one comes forward the heritage facility will shut down.

 “I am working closely with past Park Commissioners from all political parties and the ‘Friends of the Bloedel’ group who have come together to do what we can to save this marvelous structure,” adds Commissioner Robertson.