My suggestion would be to bring back the teak boats, the 640m distance and race towards Cambie Street bridge... maybe even hold a proper paddler's party Sunday night at Plaza of Nations.
Not sure how i feel about the teak boat idea, but if that "island" and the construction around it is somewhat complete by next year, it could make for a good finishline viewing area, so i think your idea of reverting to the races outward has some merit.
but most of all, YES PLEASE BRING BACK THE PLAZA PADDLER PARTY!!!! even if its just one last time. assuming plaza isn't a giant pile of dirt by then of course