Playland faces uncertain future as city assumes control of PNE

Posted | Contributed by Jeff

The city of Vancouver took over the Pacific National Exhibition from the province on Monday. But just what the 93-year-old fair will look like in the future is still very much up in the air. The city has agreed to keep the status quo at the PNE for the next three years, while it consults with city residents in a "visioning process." By the end of 2005, the city will make a decision on whether to keep the PNE as is, make changes, or kill it.

One sticking point will be the future of Playland, which makes a profit of about $1.5 million annually. The PNE had an over-all profit of $597,000 last year; without Playland, it would have been in the red.

Related parks

Playland

What I don't understand is why the more "permanent" parts of Playland, like Coaster, can't be made part of a new green space? Make that section of Hastings Park a public park with a few permanent rides surrounded by lots of trees, fountains, grass...perhaps a carousel as a focal point. Give it a real classic feel.

Well...that's what *I* would do.

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"God bless Atheists!" - Homer Simpson

That second paragraph has me breathing a sigh of relief. Phwew!

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"It's not a Too-mah!" - Arnold after riding Batman the Ride

Didn't see Moosh's comments when I posted...but yah. I totally agree.

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"It's not a Too-mah!" - Arnold after riding Batman the Ride

yea jan, same for me, it really shows that the park is the golden light for the overall PNE.

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UK, home to the King of Inverts, Nemesis, and the soon Heir, Inferno

It would be absolutely heartbreaking to witness the parks demise without a plan in place, or a home for Coaster, but heck yea, Matthew's idea is right on the money. A very classic idea. Granted, that entire Hastings area is kinda shoddy, but with some love, things could change. I would love to see it.

If all else fails, and Ethyl doesn't make it by then, I can always commission someone to rebuild Coaster for me. I can steal the plans.... right RSA? ;)
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I have been arrested more than you.

I hope that nothing drastic happens to the park... It's one of the most filmed parks in the world, and I wouldn't want to see anything happen to that classic woodie of theirs.

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~ Blast Coaster | BlastCoaster@coaster-net.com | www.COASTER-net.com

I see no reason as to why the PNE cannot co-exist with Hastings Parks. I agree with Mooshs' idea. If they have to downsize keep Coaster, Ferris Wheel,Carousel,Wave Swinger,Wild Mouse(and dump the no single riders rule:(),Hellevator(love those S&S Space Shot towers!:))and maybe add a steam train ride to encircle it all. Have a place to get something to eat and drink and a few washrooms and maybe an arcade. I would not miss the rest too much.

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Meet me at the PNE on April 17,2003. Happy 45th birthday,Coaster!

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