The keeping of wild creatures in captivity, at least in part for the amusement and/or education of humans, is always fraught with controversy.

In the case of the proposed expansion of the Vancouver Aquarium, the issue is further complicated by the fact that it is situated within the precincts of Stanley Park, one of our city's great treasures.

How to reconcile the competing demands of park lovers, animal-rights activists and supporters of the aquarium is the task of the commissioners elected to serve on the Vancouver parks board.

One problem for the board, though, is that in 1995 it passed a motion requiring a plebiscite to be held before any further expansion of the aquarium could take place.

In a vote late Monday night, the commissioners reneged on that pledge.

They decided that the parks board, not the public, would decide on whether to proceed with an ambitious, $80-million expansion that would increase the aquarium's "footprint" in the park by 30 per cent.

In general, we are not in favour of referendums to determine issues that rightly fall to those we elect to make decisions on our behalf.

But, given the 1995 commitment, it's easy for critics to conclude that the board has an obligation to fulfil its earlier undertaking.

The issue is further complicated by the objections of those who believe that keeping dolphins and belugas in captivity is cruel.

Last year, they too were promised a plebiscite in 2008 to decide whether the display of such creatures should be phased out.

On Monday, the board also decided against holding that plebiscite.

Aquarium boss John Nightingale is confident that most folks support his plans and want the dolphins to remain on display.

If Nightingale is right, he would have nothing to fear from such a plebiscite.

Indeed, the aquarium can make a powerful educational case for continuing to exhibit its captured cetaceans.

Clearly, there are issues at stake here in which the voice of the public should be heard.

We believe that a comprehensive public-opinion survey on the future of Stanley Park, and the aquarium's role within it, is long overdue.

Safeguarding this priceless waterfront wonderland for the enjoyment of future generations is a matter of concern for all Vancouverites.
© The Vancouver Province 2006