Vancouver, September 9, 2025 – A planned Harry Potter–themed attraction in Stanley Park has sparked political debate and community criticism, with questions raised about whether the Vancouver Park Board should have approved the event given J.K. Rowling’s views on transgender issues.
The Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience, an immersive exhibit scheduled to open in November, was announced last week with tickets starting at $49.50. Almost immediately, attention shifted from the event itself to the controversy surrounding Rowling’s outspoken opposition to some aspects of transgender rights.
“J.K. Rowling’s actions against the trans community are so egregious that I think we need to look at changing our minds on this,” said city councillor Lucy Maloney, who along with fellow opposition councillor Sean Orr urged the board to reconsider.
Community groups have also voiced concerns. “It’s really hard to not see that the $50 … that we’re going to be paying at least in some part is really actively being used for a political agenda,” said Ky Sargeant, vice-chair of QMUNITY, a queer, trans, and two-spirit resource centre.
Despite the criticism, the park board is moving forward. Chair Laura Christensen confirmed that the board had approved the attraction months ago during an in-camera meeting. In a statement, the board said it aimed to welcome residents and visitors of all backgrounds to enjoy the event while continuing to support 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
Some commissioners admitted they might have voted differently today. Commissioner Scott Jensen said he regretted not knowing more about Rowling’s funding of legal cases around gender definitions in Scotland, but added that many young people he teaches remain passionate Harry Potter fans.
Financial pressures also played a role. The board has been seeking new revenue streams after the permanent shutdown of the Stanley Park train derailed events like Bright Nights, an annual holiday lights display that supported the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund. Organizers say an alternative fundraising plan will be announced later this month.
In 2023, the board launched a “Think Big” revenue strategy, and internal reports suggested themed attractions with outside partners could help stabilize finances. That timeline suggests the Harry Potter decision was driven less by cultural debates than by financial necessity.
For now, the Forbidden Forest attraction will proceed as planned with the park board betting that magic at the box office will outweigh the controversy beyond the gates.
