The proposed observation tower at Queen Elizabeth Park has grown taller since proponents presented the concept to members of the Vancouver park board last March.

Long-time Riley Park resident Ned Jacobs told the Straight that a flyer from the park board indicated that the tower will now rise to at least 56 metres from the ground. "I think they feel they need extra capacity," Jacobs said, referring to private proponent Observation Tower Inc. "I suspect that this will even go higher to 20 storeys or 200 feet [60-61 metres] with its spire."

Vancouver architect Richard Henriquez of Observation Tower Inc. stated at the March presentation that the tower could be as tall as 46 metres. According to the park board's Web site ( www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/info/planning/qetower/index.htm ), the proposed design will feature three viewing decks at 47, 52.5, and 56 metres reachable by elevator.

The board will hold public consultations on November 10 and 20 on the $10 million project, which would be privately operated and charge fees. The structure will also have a gift shop and a snack bar.

COPE commissioner Spencer Herbert questions the idea of imposing a fee to get a view over the city. "We are a public park board and not a private park board," Herbert told the Straight . "There are a number of options wherein we can put a platform that allows people to have a view of the city for free. There is this fixation at the board that it has to be private."