Spirit Spa is planning to open the first curative spa in Canada.

The company is hoping to secure a 10-year lease agreement on the West Wing building in Vancouver’s busy waterfront district.

The futuristic structure is one of just three buildings remaining from Expo 86. Located in the Plaza of Nations, a public gathering place known locally as the ‘sports precinct’, the site is surrounded by sports venues, green spaces, parks, seawalks and hotels.

The building, owned by the Canadian Metropolitan Properties Association, is within easy reach of the financial district, the historic neighbourhoods of Gastown, Chinatown and Yaletown.

The company was originally negotiating for the BC Enterprise building, another former Expo site in the Plaza – but that is now intended for use by organisers of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

According to David Lawson, president of Form Health Spa Ltd – parent company of Spirit Spa Ltd – the 7,000sq m spa will offer an extensive range of treatments in the European spa tradition, including a unique peat ‘cure’ using locally-sourced peat.

Also on offer will be hydrotherapy treatments, therapeutic massage, gas therapy, electrotherapy, cryotherapy and beauty treatments.

Lawson has been working closely with the European Spas Association (ESPA) to learn more about European spa culture: “The difference between the definition of ‘spa’ in Europe and North America is as different as the definition of football,” he says.

But although the spa will draw on European traditions in its treatment menu, the sensory experience will be totally Canadian.

Roy Vickers, a renowned First Nations artist, has been retained to provide creative direction. The design will incorporate natural landscaping – using rocks, falling water and trees – as well as totems and other works of art by Canada’s West Coast people.

Other facilities will include a fitness centre, a juice bar, a salon, a restaurant and a lounge. Details: +1 604 988 6111