Native site draws visitors to Stanley Park

The new Klahowya Village in Stanley Park has already exceeded expectations, an aboriginal spokesman says.

The temporary village, which opened in July,is being marketed as an authentic aboriginal experience, aplace wherevisitors can see live performances, try aboriginal foods and talk with native elders.

"In our first month, we've had over 71,000 visitors come through," said Keith Henry,

CEO of the Aboriginal Tourism Association of B.C.

Henry credits the success to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

"I really think that the Games made a huge impact on our industry," he said, "and what we're trying to do now is build on that marketing and build on the awareness."

Theassociation is looking to expand the Klahowya Village totwo other locations in B.C., Henry said.

As well, the popularity of Klahowya Village, which closes Sept. 6, could mean good things for another Stanley Park site.

Park board chair Aaron Jasper says the whole area, including the Children's Farmyard,has seen a 40 per centincrease in visits.

Last fall, the board voted to shut down the farm, but Jasper says projects such as Klahowya prove the area can be a success.

"Given the success of this particular partnershipI think these are the kind of models we need to look for," he said.

The farmyard's fate is still up in the air, Jasper said. Staff will report back on two new proposals in the fall.