The future of the PNE/Playland in Vancouver BC

At this time the future of the PNE at Hastings Park in Vancouver,BC is being discussed. There are four proposals for the PNE,of which only two call for the continued existence of Playland and the classic Carl Phare designed wooden rollercoaster simply known as Coaster.To view these proposals go to www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/pnepark and fiill out the questionaire. This is our opportunity to help save the PNE/Playland and IMO the best coaster in the Pacific Northwest.

Thank you

In case anyone is wondering what happened to the identical topic I started, I deleted it as the survey is meant for Vancouver residents.

If you have the time, go over to the site and vote in favor of one of the plans that aims to preserve the amusement park and coaster (I believe the 3rd and 4th options are the ones.)

This is an example of what you- as an individual person- can do to help save a classic wooden coaster (for all of you that argued that there is NOTHING you can do to prevent things like this from happening.) Its a little thing that only take a few short minutes to do, but if enough people spend a few short minutes doing the same thing, then all of a sudden, you have become part of a group of people that is doing something.

I think that as coaster enthusiasts we still should give the city of Vancouver our input as as tourists of the city we spend our money on not just the PNE but also area hotels ,restaurants,shops,ect. It is not just residents of Vancouver who visit the PNE. On my last visit to the PNE,I noticed a large number of cars in the parking lot with Washington and Oregon license plates on them.

For me the #1 reason I go to Vancouver is the PNE/Playland and Coaster.

For what it is worth I voted on options three and four on the questionaire. *** Edited 4/28/2004 6:25:28 PM UTC by Ronald S. Anderson***

And it seems to be that way for a lot of people. I don't think the city understands just how powerful a draw the coaster is.

Plus the difference between #1/#2 and #3/#4 is about 4,000 jobs, and the difference between $3 million in profits, and a loss of near $1 million(can't remember the exact number).

Personally I want to see the coaster stay(I'd like to ride it someday).

But even from a purely non enthusest standing I honestly believe that #3 or #4 is the best option. Even though it means the most capital expendures.

I wasn't saying people shouldn't participate, I was simply stating why I deleted my topic.

*** Edited 4/28/2004 6:45:08 PM UTC by Mamoosh***

You're right... the last two options seem to be much better from an economical standpoint as well. More cap expenditures but more jobs all around and more income. I fail to see how that is a bad thing, regardless of how you look at it.

Moosh- People SHOULD participate because even though it is intended for Vancouver residents, it does affect people who travel to the city for the purpose of spending time and money at the PNE and people that will do so in the future. Revenue comes from out-of-towners, so those out-of-towners should make their voices heard as well!

Not too mension that reall Rollercoaster is Canada's only true classic.

Remove that coaster and I guess the closest thing we'd have to a classic would be Mindbender at West Edmonton Mall.

It's not like PCW or La Ronde are going to be producing any rides of Rollercoaster's stature. Although granted I know alot more about PCW then I do about La Ronde.

Canadian classics? Coaster, Rush and Neil Young!

And Anne Murray...but I hear she's a bithc ;)

Gretzky.

How could I forget about Anne Murray?

Canadian classics and nobody mentions The Band. I am ashamed of you people. ;)

I wanna go to B.C. and drink of their strange brew...

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Ronald S. Anderson said:

This is our opportunity to help save the PNE/Playland and IMO the best coaster in the Pacific Northwest.

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See I disagree totally. I think it's ridiculous and selfish to go vote unless you're a resident of the area. To try to sway the local governement's decisions based on the opportunity to ride a coaster without considering how the people who actually live, work and play there everyday of their lives (and while you may rationalize that you are indeed considering all of those, the bottom line is you want a little coaster in Canada to stay in operation) is absurd at best and obscene at worst.

This is exactly the kind of meddling for personal goals that I think sucks. I skimmed the page, so admittedly I'm not familiar with the entire situation, but even if I was, I'm not directly affected by any decision they make (and sorry, 'can't ride a coaster' is not being directly affected).

Then to type a quick "option three or four saves the coaster - hint hint" style comment hoping for people to just open the page, vote and close it up is just irresponsible.

Would it be nice to have the opportunity in the future to catch a ride on the Coaster? Sure. Without a doubt!

Is it in my place as a resident of an entirely different country to throw my two cents in and possibly sway the outcome of a decision directly affecting the future of the local economy, traffic and recreation options? Not by a long shot.

I think some perspective is needed here. It's a friggin' roller coaster! Just because you happen to like roller coasters doesn't mean you should screw with public descisions like this.

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Ronald S. Anderson said:

I think that as coaster enthusiasts we still should give the city of Vancouver our input as as tourists of the city we spend our money on not just the PNE but also area hotels ,restaurants,shops,ect. It is not just residents of Vancouver who visit the PNE.

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Seriously, how many people who been encouraged to vote in this thread will EVER go to Vancouver to ride this coaster? Of those, how many will go more than once...maybe twice in their life. Sure residents of the Northwest US...maybe....MAYBE...should have an ounce of say if they're regular visitors but I honestly feel that their not residents and they need to stay out of it.

The whole idea of this thread, trying to sway another communtity's decisions, "saving" this coaster...

...it all just feels wrong. :(

Then don't vote. :)

I understand where you're coming from Gonchar. I kind of though of that myself.

However, I've also posted this at some Canadian forums that I frequent. There's a fair amount of Vancouver residets on these boards. And so far everyone has agreed with everyone here.

Even those that might not be coaster enthusiasts have said that it would be a shame to lose PNE, and Playland. Tourism has been taking enough of a hit in the area as it is.

Gonch, I have to disagree on this one because if people wouldn't have stepped in to save the Belmont Park Giant Dipper it wouldn't be here for me to enjoy today. I'm sure there were plenty of nonresidents involved in that.

I don't think they are going to make a decision based only on this survey.