Why Vancouver’s Harry Potter attraction sparked backlash — and why the park board says it’s moving ahead

The Vancouver Park Board is facing criticism for its decision to host the Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience, an immersive attraction set to open in Stanley Park this November.

The controversy stems from author J.K. Rowling’s widely criticized stance on transgender rights. Critics, including Coun. Lucy Maloney and local 2SLGBTQ+ advocates, argue that supporting Harry Potter–branded events risks funneling money toward anti-trans causes.

“It’s really hard to separate the artist from the art,” said Ky Sargeant, vice-chair of QMUNITY, a Vancouver resource centre. “Part of the ticket price is, in some way, actively supporting a political agenda.”

Tickets start at $49.50 for adults and go on sale this week.

Financial priorities, not culture wars

Despite the criticism, most park board commissioners say the decision is unlikely to be reversed. The board voted months ago, behind closed doors, to approve the attraction.

Commissioner Tom Digby is the lone member publicly calling for reconsideration, calling the event a reputational risk. But board chair Laura Christensen said the attraction was approved in line with the board’s broader goals.

In 2023, the park board adopted a “Think Big” revenue strategy, raised fees, and began exploring themed attractions with third-party partners to generate predictable revenue streams. That direction gained urgency this summer, when the Stanley Park train was shut down indefinitely and the long-running Bright Nights holiday fundraiser — which supported the Firefighters Burn Fund — was cancelled.

According to a staff report, the site could be repurposed for “reimagined themed attractions” that would offset the loss of train revenue.

Regret, but little change expected

Commissioner Scott Jensen said he now regrets approving the project before he fully understood Rowling’s activism, but hopes fans can separate the books from the author.

Meanwhile, Bright Nights organizers are preparing an alternative fundraiser, to be announced later this month, and park officials stress that the Harry Potter attraction is temporary.

While critics see the event as an endorsement of Rowling’s views, supporters in the city frame it as a financial decision at a time when the park board is under pressure to fund services.

As Christensen put it, “We’re looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors of all ages and backgrounds to experience the fun of Harry Potter in Stanley Park.”