“Located in Vancouver’s transit hub, close to thousands of businesses, residents and in the heart of the tourism district, the stadium will reconnect Gastown to the waterfront.”
Bob Lenarduzzi
Province
In 2003, the City of Vancouver approached us with a vision — a midsized outdoor venue capable of hosting a myriad of events from soccer and rugby to concerts, multicultural festivals and more.
We embraced the opportunity. One of the main goals of the Whitecaps is to be a community asset, and a stadium that all of Vancouver can use and enjoy would certainly be that.
After three and a half years of working with city staff, which saw other potential locations exhausted, it was determined that this site — north of Gastown, over the rail yard — is the best site. Located in Vancouver’s transit hub, close to thousands of businesses, residents and in the heart of the tourism district, the stadium will reconnect Gastown to the waterfront. It will be a showcase venue, and this has not been lost on the public.
Since we announced our vision last October we have received overwhelming support through letters, community consultation and surveys, ranging from 67 to 71 per cent approval.
A new Mustel survey reveals that 72 per cent of businesses in the immediate vicinity support the stadium.
And recently, former Vancouver mayors Larry Campbell and Philip Owen have come forward to speak out in favour of the stadium in this location and to urge city council make it a priority.
Naturally the proposed stadium faces some hurdles.
Following the city-led, high-level review, five primary requirements have been identified: provision of adequate street network; resolution of risks and liability from dangerous goods in the rail lands; fit with Gastown; impact on nearby residences and future port land development.
These are significant; however, the Whitecaps, the city and the other stakeholders all agree they can be addressed and are resolvable.
The current timeline put forth by Vancouver city staff has the proposed 15,000-seat, multi-use venue breaking ground in early 2009.
On June 27th, the Whitecaps are asking council to make the project a priority so Vancouverites can begin to receive the numerous benefits that will come from this stadium as soon as possible.
Bob Lenarduzzi is the director of soccer operations for the Vancouver Whitecaps.
© The Vancouver Province 2006