Revisiting Vancouver's Free Inspiration Pass

Dec 19 2017, 2:54 pm

The City of Vancouver’s idea to partner with its Library system and popular attractions like the Vancouver Aquarium and Science World to create the Inspiration Pass, appears to be quite the success and something other cities should take note of. The free pass gives families and individuals who live in the city a chance to explore our very own world-class sites. It’s generally good for two adults and four children and with all twenty-two sites visited has an approximate value of $1850.

The launch date was October 24th and I had received mine early in November – it can pay off to follow the city’s initiatives in which you live. We made it out to about half of the 22 attractions available. It really was great to get out to places like the Aquarium again to see the belugas, and some of the great museums like the Anthropology (MOA) out at UBC. In my case, it was almost eight years since I visited these places when I first moved here to Vancouver. Once you receive your pass you have two weeks to hit up as many places as possible, so planning is definitely necessary.

Yes, you do need a library card, which I strongly urge you get anyway as our library system does kick ass. I often get to read brand new copies of books still sitting on the shelves at Chapters by searching them up and placing early holds on them. Please check it out – it’s worth it. Vancouver’s Mark Busse, an active leader in the design community, just recently wrote a great post on the dividends that getting off Google and visiting a library can have for designers, which rings true for all of us.

Sign up for a free Vancouver Library Card

The Library has a total of 120 passes available for loan every two weeks and is generally good for two adults and up to four children 18-years and younger.

Current hold numbers on the pass at popular branches across the city:

  • Central – 1345 holds on 15 passes
  • Kitsilano – 450 holds on 5 passes
  • Oakridge – 476 holds on 5 passes
  • Mount Pleasant – 444 holds on 5 passes
  • Terry Salmon – 449 holds on 5 passes

Reserve your Vancouver Inspiration Pass

I highly suggest placing your hold on one now if you haven’t already done so as you can see by some of the numbers it’s now a bit of a waiting game. You may get it come summer though, and that would be a great way to tour around any possible visitors you may have in town. The city and partners planned to review the initiative after one year’s time to determine the feasibility and overall outcome of the pass. Due to the overwhelming demand I would like to think it will be back for another year.

The best part of the pass is really the opportunity it provides – regardless of your economic status – to benefit from living in this city and to enjoy these activities offered throughout Vancouver.

 

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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