Plans to permanently close the Conservatory and Children’s Farmyard in Stanley Park were temporarily put on hold Monday night…for at least another four months.

The Park Board voted in favour of issuing an RFP (Request For Proposal) from private interest groups to develop plans to keep both facilities open.  Deadline for submission to the Board is April 30, 2010.  If no legitimate proposals come forward, these two long-standing institutions will permanenetly close.

I am cautiously optimistic.  As you know I have been against the closure of both these Vancouver icons.  However in recent days I have come to know John Coupar who with a very small group, called ‘Friends of the Bloedel’ have managed to create a very large petition (+5000 names) against closing the Conservatory.  John and his group are from being done.  “We consider the motion to give us some time a small victory” John told me on Tuesday.  Already plans are in place to meet with representatives from Van Dusen Gardens to understand how their very successful model works.

I wish them good luck and will work with them to explore all opportunities to keep this landmark open.