Russ Anthony, project manager for the $565-million convention centre project, says the Challenger map could be included in the pitch of a bidders who want to operate the private portion of the centre. Photo by Dan Toulgoet

An olive branch has been offered to Challenger map supporters eager to have the topographical treasure included in the Vancouver Exhibition and Convention Centre expansion.

Russ Anthony, project manager for the $565-million project, said the enormous map could be included in a private marina, plane terminal and retail development to be built on the water in front of the project.

Anthony said the Challenger map advisory group could align itself with any of the groups bidding to operate the private portion of the convention centre project.

The successful proponent, to be selected in 2005, must develop a float plane terminal. Beyond that requirement, the bidder can suggest whatever it wants to include in its proposal.

Anthony said he’s already spoken to a group interested in setting up an eco-tourism business in front of the development as well as a floating restaurant and marina.

The convention centre expansion project must generate $30 million from the deal with the private operator to bolster the $445 million contributed by the federal and provincial governments and $90 million from the tourism industry.

The Challenger map, a 6,000-square-foot, three-dimensional map of B.C., has been in storage since its original home, the B.C. Pavilion at Hastings Park, was demolished.

The map was to be included in an earlier convention centre expansion plan on the east side of the existing building. When the plan was replaced by an expansion west, the map’s relocation was ditched.

Since then, the Challenger map advisory group has lobbied Anthony and municipal, provincial and federal politicians to place the map in the new convention centre.

Al Clapp, spokesman for the advisory group, said the group will apply to the convention centre project to build a facility adjacent to the northeast corner. Clapp said he still requires Mayor Larry Campbell’s support because it will ultimately be the city that decides what will be built adjacent to the centre. The city controls zoning for the project.

Campbell refused to issue a letter of support. Clapp will attempt to persuade council to debate the issue in the new year.

Anthony confirmed city council will decide whether to permit the map to be built alongside the expansion.

If approved, Clapp said, building a new home for the map would cost about $7 million. The cost would be covered by donations and federal and provincial government grants.