The Future of False Creek Flats - Tracy Redies

Greater Vancouver Board of Trade President and CEO Bridgitte Anderson speaks with Science World CEO Tracy Redies about how they fit into the evolving ecosystem in False Creek, with a special guest appearance by Bilbo the pug.

What is GVPOD - Greater Vancouver's Business Podcast?

GVPOD is the podcast of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. President and CEO Bridgitte Anderson talks to leaders in the business community about the challenges and opportunities they experience, as well as issues impacting our region.

0:00:04.2 [BRIDGITTE]: Hello everyone and welcome to GVPOD, Greater Vancouver's business podcast exploring the challenges and opportunities facing our region. I'm Brigitte Anderson, President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. Over the next several episodes, we are going to take a closer look at the False Creek Flats, a major job centre in Vancouver. The area is bordered by Main Street to the west, Great Northern Way to the south, Prior Street to the north, and Clark Drive to the east. About 8,000 people work there at over 600 businesses in the flats, including Science World. Now, this iconic geodome was built for Expo 86 and was handed over to Science World about one year later. Today, President and CEO Tracy Reddies joins me to talk about the organization and its role in the future of False Creek Flats. Welcome Tracy.

0:00:56.3 [TRACY]: Thanks Brigitte, delighted to be here.

0:01:01.0 [BRIDGITTE]: Your background is in finance. You are the CEO at HSBC, Coast Capital Savings, and you moved on to the public sector where you served as finance critic for the opposition liberals. So I have to ask, where did the passion for science and technology come from?

0:01:16.8 [TRACY]: Well that, as you've implied, is kind of a windy question. Or at least the answer is a bit windy anyways. But to be honest, you know, whilst I liked science in high school in math, I was actually more gravitated towards math and business. And as you said, spent most of my career in banking. And I did run a global technology business for HSBC out of New Jersey in the early 2000s and always had an interest in technology. And we used to say back then that banking was a marriage of business and technology with no possibility of divorce. And nowadays, of course, it's pretty few businesses that you could say didn't have a marriage with technology. But my real passion for the science and technology side actually is really grounded in my hope for a better future for the province. And in particular, driving, continue to drive this knowledge based economy, which I think really represents the future opportunities for our province. And when I was in government, I did look at the policy side quite a bit in terms of economic development and growth, but also societal development and growth. And the, you know, the key to much of that is being able to attract, develop, attract and retain knowledge based organizations and companies.

0:02:39.1 [TRACY]: And that is predicated on our ability to develop, attract and retain talent, particularly in what we call the STEAM sector of science, technology, engineering, art and design and math. So I really came to science world because of that, because I realized how important science world was in the whole educational ecosystem. In addition to getting a million people to come and visit our iconic dome every year, we also do in non-pandemic years outreach to about 150,000 students across the province and science-based learning. We train hundreds of teachers annually to deliver science-based learning in the classrooms. And now with our digital channels, we're actually reaching over two and a half million people with that content. So we're an integral support to the K to 12 and post-secondary system in developing that STEAM talent. And I can't think of any better place I could be right now, frankly.

0:03:41.2 [BRIDGITTE]: Well clearly, as you speak about the knowledge economy and the skills that are needed for the future science and technology, I mean, all this STEAM that really plays such a big part. You know, coming back to the False Creek flats, I think you're probably the most iconic structure in that region, in that area. But how do you, like, what do you see as science world's role in the False Creek flats and that ecosystem, if you will?

0:04:08.9 [TRACY]: Well again, you know, we are going to continue to support the education system in developing that STEAM talent. And as that area grows, as you rightly mentioned, I mean, this is probably going to be the biggest area of transformation in Vancouver since Yaletown with the construction of the St. Paul's Hospital and the development of 400 acres into a health sciences and technology corridor. But I think there's opportunity to do more with that. Like I'd love to see it be an arts and science educational corridor as well. We already have Emily Carr here. We have Science World. You know, I think I've talked to you in the past about could we potentially create the Smithsonian of Vancouver as we think about redeveloping it. So it shouldn't just be a kind of a commercial and real estate development play, but something that really creates a legacy, I think, for generations of Vancouverites and British Columbians to come. In terms of our specific role, I mean, we work with many community groups and also educational institutions in the area, both in terms of programs for kids who, particularly on the Downtown Eastside. We have a number of schools that we work with closely.

0:05:29.7 [TRACY]: And we also see great opportunities to expand our mentoring network with the kids that come to us as this whole Falls Creek area develops and unfolds.

[BRIDGITTE]: And really that roadmap, if you will, for the area that came out in 2017 talks about innovation clusters. It talks about not just technology, but it talks about arts and culture. And I think the vision is really about 20,000 jobs. So particularly, you know, in lots of the areas that you are involved in. But if I could back up to when you first took over as the CEO of Science World, it was not an easy time. The pandemic was a huge, huge factor for Science World. It was a really precarious time for Science World as well. Tell us about what that experience was like as a new CEO of the organization.

0:06:29.9 [TRACY]: Well, you know, it obviously wasn't an easy time. But I'm sorry, my pug has decided to go crazy here. Timing is everything. But you know, I think more so it was, I was more worried for our staff because they had seen Science World obviously at its height. And now, you know, they were seeing it go through its challenges. But the team has done a remarkable job. We've come through the pandemic actually with flying colors. You know, we're actually outperforming 2019 operating results. It was 75% attendance. So team has done a great job. You know, I think one of the things that we're probably, you know, still have to work on is our infrastructure because like you said, it was built for Expo 86. And a lot of the parts of the building were only meant to last six months. And like typical Canadians, we've made it last 35 years. But even...

[Bridgitte]: But you got a good boost in the arm from the federal government.

[Tracy]: Well, we'll talk about that in a minute. $10 million investment, that will help infrastructure a great deal. Yeah, it will. It will. But you know, the building, it is an iconic building.

0:07:48.4 [TRACY]: But you know, again, a lot of pieces need to be fixed. And it's not an inconsequential amount of money. Unfortunately, the $10 million that the feds have put up is only a first part of the ultimate investment that we have to make. But we want to be here for the long term. As I said, my job is to put science world on its trajectory for the next 35 years. And we believe we should be investing in that location and in our building. So that's what we're hoping to work with the governments at different levels and the community on over the coming years.

0:08:28.2 [BRIDGITTE]: So it's only an important investment in infrastructure. But as you mentioned, it is only partially what is needed. So talk to us about some of the upgrades that are required.

0:08:40.7 [TRACY]: Yeah, so I think most people know that our dome is closed right now because it's leaking. And unfortunately, the technology that is in the dome is actually the original 1986 technology. I was hoping to put that as part of the campaign. The Expo86 merchandise campaign, but my marketing team said that probably wouldn't take probably wouldn't sell. But no, I know all joking aside, that is it is an it is an area that we have to rejuvenate. And of course, it being a Buckminster geodesic dome, it's a very difficult structure to re skin. So there's some challenges with that. We also have challenges with HVAC and electrical systems, which are not that interesting in terms of, you know, speaking to governments and donors, but without them, we can't keep our facility opened. And this this facility, actually, the building is owned by the province. The city owns the land that we sit on and the province subleases both to us. So we're just the tenant actually, in many respects. So we're working again with all levels of government to come up with some solutions to make sure we can preserve this historic piece of our history of Vancouver for future generations.

0:10:00.3 [BRIDGITTE]: So when you look at the future of the Falls Creek flats, and you know, I heard you mentioned Smithsonian, so I want to dig into that a little bit more, too. You know, if in fact, that we do have to 20,000 new jobs in that area, and it really becomes this vibrant innovation hub, if you will, you know, what role would you hope for science world to play in that future?

0:10:22.8 [TRACY]: Well, again, I think, you know, science world, once we get past our current infrastructure challenges, we will get through those. I'm quite I'm quite confident that we will get through them. But we have a bold vision. We would like to expand science world. And that might take kind of a Smithsonian approach where we have multi-site operation. And you know, if you look at what the Smithsonian does for Washington, in Washington, DC, in terms of tourism, creating that vibrancy, that innovation, I think we could do it, you know, obviously, on a much smaller scale, since they've been at it for quite a few, or a number of years, I think several hundred, maybe. But you know, I think it would add to that vibrancy and that whole opportunity to kind of create a collision of ideas. You know, at science world, we talk about science, technology, engineering and math. And of course, those are technical skills, but we also talk about creativity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking. And that comes when people come together and are able to work in teams and think creatively about ideas. And I think the ability to create, again, the multi-site science institution that appeals to all ages would help in that, creating that environment that allows those ideas to collide.

0:11:57.3 [BRIDGITTE]: You know, when I think about science world, it was a mainstay of places in Vancouver that I took my kids to when they were younger. We spent many, many, many hours there and my kids loved it. But you know, some other programs that maybe some of our listeners might not be aware of, and there's a long list of them, but the Super Science Club, Future Science Leaders, Scientists and Innovators in Schools, I mean, you named a lot of them. And you know, I think back to earlier in the fall and maybe even in the summer, you did some community consultation about the future science world. What is the community saying that it would like to happen?

0:12:34.6 [TRACY]: That's a great question and thanks for asking it because we have actually engaged with hundreds of people across our region and different parts of the province as well, because it's not just Metro Vancouver that we serve, we serve all the province. And that was across sectors from education, industry, business and science and technology associations, community groups, Indigenous peoples. So all of this, you know, has suggested to us that first off, science world is a beloved institution that people have very fond, you know, early and current memories of. There's a belief that science world could do even more, particularly, I think, in terms of helping educate, again, priming the STEAM talent pool, but also looking at some of the more critical elements or critical issues that are facing our planet and encouraging that discussion. So things like the regeneration of the planet, because climate change is obviously causing such challenges that it's not just about sustainability anymore, it's about how do we actually regenerate areas of the planet. Human health, you know, there's lots of issues facing Canadians and British Columbians with respect to, you know, health issues, just the having access to health and what are we going to do in the future to make sure that Canadians have access to health care and are also are preventative health care.

0:14:18.2 [TRACY]: So there's areas there that we're starting to focus on as part of our, you know, five year, next five year strategy that we think we can help with the dialogue. You know, we really do believe the world does need more nerds. I think now more than ever, with all of the issues that are facing us, we need those bright minds who are trained not only in technical skills, but in the skills of working together and collaboration. And that's what the future, I think, that's what drives us every day to get up in the morning to make sure that we're helping the world get more nerds.

0:14:54.6 [BRIDGITTE]: You know, and just for context for those, I don't know who wouldn't know this because it was such a great campaign, but the future needs more nerds was really based around Dr. Bonnie Henry. And it was it was really great idea. And I think it brought home for a lot of people the importance of science and technology and health medicine and a lot of those kinds of things that you really focus on at Science World. And you know, when you talk about climate change, I think every organization right now is thinking how can they make a difference? You have a unique role in being able to not only address climate change and help to educate people but promote regeneration of the planet, as you say. I'd be interested to know, like, how long do you think that string is that that you know, what is the role that Science World could play in this, not only just in the city and provincially, but globally as well?

0:15:54.0 [TRACY]: Well, I think it's a long it's gonna be a long road. We all know this. And you know, our goal is to make sure that we focus on topics that are important to British Columbians and that have that BC perspective. So you know, as we look towards talking about climate change and adaptation and regeneration of the planet, a lot of our new content will be kind of focused on what this what the implications are for British Columbians, what choices average people can make in order to start getting that kind of collective change that actually provides meaningful action on climate change and its impacts. And on the human health side, it makes you know, a lot of a lot of sense given our location with St. Paul's to work with the partners and we already are working with a number of partners in the health sciences area. We have some wonderful, fabulous partners who, you know, we learn something from every day to really showcase to what BC is doing in health sciences, what people can do to take more care of their health and be more proactive and hopefully, you know, again, just create a better dialogue around these issues.

0:17:27.4 [TRACY]: I think one of the things that has, you know, I think we've probably everyone has seen is that there is a lot of information out there and it's not always it's not always based on science facts and reliable. And again, as a trusted, highly, highly trusted brand in this province, you know, I think we can play a part in making sure those facts are put on the table and that people, you know, can see actions they can take themselves that make a meaningful difference. So I think that's what we're going to be focused on.

0:18:07.5 [BRIDGITTE]: And I think there's a this is a unique opportunity for Vancouver when I look at the Falls Creek Flats area, we have a real opportunity to connect the dots around innovation and science world playing a really key role in that. When you look at the opportunity, you know, are what kind of challenges are we facing around in this in developing this area? And what more do we need to do?

[TRACY]: I think, you know, and I think, you know, there's a there are a lot of leaders or a lot of institutions and leaders in this area who have kind of views about what should happen.

0:18:45.5 [TRACY]: And I think, you know, a number of us have been talking that it would be good to collaborate on a kind of a common vision, what we want, because I think it must be hard for government with lots of different interests coming to them. Having been in government, I kind of know, know that and and also, I think it would be helpful for us all to get behind kind of that common vision of what we want, because this is a this is a once in a lifetime transformational opportunity.

[BRIDGITTE] It is.

[TRACY] And and, you know, we should make the most of it. And we should be thinking about it not just as a a work area, Perry, where there's going to be, you know, 20000 more jobs, but there's also going to be people living here. And we also want it to be a gathering place as well. You know, not just for people who live and work here, but for other people from outside the city. And tourism, obviously, is a big component of our economy here as well. We haven't talked about that, but we play a very important role in that as well as the fourth largest attraction and the fastest we were the fastest growing before the pandemic. So so I think all of these things coming together, it's really important that we have a cohesive vision and that we're supporting, you know, the the we're making the most of the opportunity, I guess, is what I can see a danger of. We don't want it to just be another commercial and residential real estate development play. It's there's so much more than it could be.

[BRIDGITTE]: And the point really well taken, Tracy, because there is a full sum plan that the city of Vancouver received. I mean, it is coming on five, six years old, but it still is very comprehensive and talks about, you know, a walkable five, 10 minute walkable region. So where people work, live and play. And to really underscore the opportunity for our city, there are other hubs or innovation centers being developed in Canada and in the United States. Toronto is really accelerating its development. There's a number of cities in the United States. And so we we do need to move with urgency and to be able to to take advantage of the opportunities in front of us where we see some real strength in emerging areas like life sciences and other technology and other areas in technology.

0:21:04.5 [TRACY]: And I think, again, if you look at these areas that are being developed around the world, and I would say Asia is actually maybe even ahead of North America in this regard. But science centers are at the center are part of the critical elements that are being developed because, you know, the key is to spark that curiosity of in STEAM learning early and to create confidence STEAM learners early, because we know kids often self-select out around grade eight. They're not they think they're not good at math or they're not good at science.

[BRIDGITTE] Talking about my history, Tracy.

[TRACY] Particularly women. And this is another area that we focus on is are these underrepresented groups in STEAM learning, because if we don't get them participating, women, Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ, remote communities or immigrants, we won't be able to boost that talent pool when it has to be a diverse talent pool. Right. So so I think science centers are quite critical in this whole innovation and the education ecosystem. And so just a plug in for science world that we should be here for the long haul and and be you know what we'd love to be is a world class comprehensive science center at the at the edge of Falls Creek at the pinnacle of Falls Creek, working with all of these wonderful health sciences, technology and science organizations that are so critical to our our economy and our society going forward.

0:22:46.1 [BRIDGITTE]: So rounding out this conversation, we have a bit of a captive audience of the business community. And so you've got an opportunity here, Tracy. What can the business community do to support science world and really ensure its future?

0:23:00.0 [TRACY]: Well, I we've been we're working on our next five year strategy, which is going to include a a an element, a big focus on rejuvenating science world, both from a critical infrastructure perspective, but also developing these new areas of programming for underrepresented groups and also in the areas of the regeneration of the planet, indigenous truth and reconciliation and in human health. So we'll be out knocking on doors next year, and I really hope that the business community, I should say, has been very supportive through the the the pandemic. And I can't thank them enough already for their support. But I hope you have the same vision for the future that we have that we really do need to develop that STEAM talent. And we need to start it early to make sure that all these businesses that are going to be in Falls Creek have the talent to to run their organizations. So we'll be out in the community. Please support us. We are an important part of the ecosystem and we look forward to talking with you.

0:24:12.9 [BRIDGITTE]: Well, excellent. As you say, Tracy, the world needs more nerds. So I look forward to continuing the conversation. Thanks so much for joining us.

0:24:20.6 [TRACY]: Thanks so much, Bridgitte, and all the best.