I understand that I am not from Vancouver and have only lived here a few months. With that being plainly said, I have to admit that I like the idea of building a stadium in the Gastown waterfront.Watching this whole issue unfold is teaching me a lot about the way things happen in Vancouver. From the people who want change to those who are strongly against it. Being so new here, I’ve been slightly afraid of really expressing that opinion. Being American is another thing. We are stereotyped to love the idea of more development as a way of life. That might be a stretch to say, but just something that I’ve felt with still getting familiar to my new home.
Vancouver councillors heard from those ‘for’ and ‘against’ a proposed Whitecaps soccer stadium in Gastown.A whopping 96 delegations signed up to voice their opinions on the 70 million dollar project.
Caryn Duncan spoke for the Central Waterfront Coalition, “My feeling is that the proposed stadium has been imposed on us, and that it doesn’t feel very good or very neighbourly. Over the months, discussion of the stadium has looked a lot like a couple of little boys in a sandbox, kicking sand at each other.”
Council has set aside an extra day to hear all the speakers.
The debate will continue on Thursday. [cknw]
I’ve heard both sides to the argument, and they all make sense. In terms of anything negative, I do get concerned about “possible hazardous materials” being on the rail lines under the stadium, but it makes me wonder what’s passing through those lines right now?
And on the other hand, the benefits of something like this has me in support of the whole project. In such an international city, a downtown futbol(soccer) stadium would be really great. It would mean so much more income to businesses in the area, aid tourism, provide a great venue for concerts, and bring some extra charm to the area.
Look at the pictures I took and pasted together just the other day. They’re not the best, but the area isn’t the most appealing to look at right now. The stadium would be a nice addition. It’s not a high rise with horribly expensive condos in it. It’s added recreation for a city that is constantly growing and changing.
My office is right around the corner from there and I think the stadium idea is great.
Why do I agree with the stadium?
The stadium is something the community can enjoy, not just a few rich people who own the penthouses in the waterfront condos.
The waterfront isn’t accessible because of the railyard so building right down on the water isn’t going to happen either way.
The stadium will likely increase parking availability in the area on non-event days.
And the number 1 reason I think we should build the stadium…We already have a Yaletown.
It turns out the that Whitecaps have agreed with those opposing the first site of the stadium over the tracks. They are now proposing that the stadium be built on public lands! It is no longer a case of a private development on private lands. The Whitecaps are seeking the most valuable public land in Vancouver for free. In addition it has become clear that the true reason for the stadium is to force a rezoning to allow for massive condo development on the waterfront ( the Whitecaps have formed a development company for this purpose and have been buying up additional land). An issue that has not been make pubic is that of a waterfront cassino as part of this project. Gerg Kerfoot, the Whitecaps owner, has money invested in Edgewater Casino and is on record as to wanting to place the casino with the stadium (in the 90’s a proposal to place a casino in the same location was soundly rejected by vancouverites. Simply look at the extra floor space being asked for for the stadium. Other issues are that the Seabus will have to be moved ( likely to involve public money) and the lack of comprehensive planning for the last Vancouver waterfront. This last point flys in the face of what has made vancouver vancouver – good long range planning.
As we have all heard “There is no free lunch”. The costs of this project are lack of planning for the waterfront,costs to move the seabus, loss valuable public land, a massive stadium ( a structure designed for looking within and not outward) blocking mountain views, sterilizing publci watefront since an open air stadium is only usable 5-6 months a year (unless a casino is placed in the stadium), impact of placeing a 15,000- 30,000 seat stadium within meters of crab park – the only park in gastown and the DTES. Would we allow this satdium on the Waterfont in Stanly Park?, Kits beach?