Do Playland and the Pacific National Exhibition need an upgrade?
The city of Vancouver is considering one with a $120-million, 10-year proposal to redevelop the longstanding attraction at Hastings Park.
No decisions have yet been made by the city but the Pacific National Exhibition suggests the upgrade to rides and attractions, as well as greening the park, could potentially double revenues. Part of the plan would be to increase admission prices from $36 for a one-day pass at the gate to $50.
It’s uncertain whether Vancouver council will approve the plan, which is seen as boosting the city’s economic engine. The suggestion is that the city needs something that is still more affordable than traveling to Disneyland and would give the Lower Mainland another tourist attraction.
Playland seems a little dated and, for some, that’s part of its charm. But maybe it’s time for the aging attraction to move into the 21st century.
