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The future of whales and dolphins at the Vancouver Aquarium may not go to a public referendum after the park board voted Monday to explore other alternatives.

A motion to put forward a plebiscite question on the controversial issue of cetacean captivity for the 2018 civic election was referred back to staff.

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Commissioner Catherine Evans said she wanted staff to look into the feasibility of holding a referendum in 2018 as well as other potentially quicker options that could address some of the concerns.

“I’m not convinced a referendum is the right tool,” said Evans. “It is a single question. We’re not giving due process to the expression of other interests and other options. There may be more creative and faster solutions that will satisfy a range of interests.”

Park board staff is expected to come back with a report in a month.

Commissioner Sarah Kirby-Yung, who had put forward the motion for a referendum, said she was disappointed by Evans’ motion, calling it a stalling tactic. “Residents have clearly said to commissioners they support holding a plebiscite.”