Vancouver Aquarium has welcomed the city Parks Board's decision not to hold a referendum on whether or not the attraction could house whales and dolphins.

A motion had been introduced by commissioner Stuart Mackinnon to hold a non-binding referendum next year on whether or not the site could keep cetaceans captive, following the death of a young beluga whale.

Such a referendum would have seriously damaged the aquarium’s expansion plans, which were first approved in 2006. Having said that, the site has still not secured the finance for the work.

Vancouver Aquarium president Dr John Nightingale said: “The community has already spoken on this issue loudly and clearly during the extensive public consultation on both the aquarium’s expansion and the guidelines under which the aquarium can acquire and keep cetaceans.”

“We’re pleased with the parks board decision, which enables us to continue to focus on our conservation, education and research efforts.”