Whitecaps Stadium Update

This past July, Vancouver City Council asked for additional studies to be done on the proposed Whitecaps Stadium on the Gastown waterfront, which will likely delay the project for another two years. (Link to the city's stadium website here, and a pdf copy of the Initial Review here).

Among the issues that still need to be resolved are the following:

• Improve the stadium's fit with the Gastown neighbourhood
• Resolve concerns regarding the stadium's impact on Gastown's livability
• Resolve the future status and potential development of the remaining port lands
• Ensure adequate street access to the stadium
• Deal with concerns about hazardous cargo moving under the stadium

As a result, the initial review urged the Whitecaps to participate in the City's Central Waterfront Hub and Rail Lands Study, which will be completed in 12 to 18 months' time. This report aims to develop a "detailed Urban Design and Transportation Plan for the Hub area", covering the entire waterfront lands from Howe Street to the foot of Cambie.

It's worthwhile to note that an earlier study from 2005 has already determined that the CPR railyards "are critical to the economic function of the Port and must be retained."

While the Whitecaps said that they were happy with the results of the initial review, some observers believe that the team will have a tough time going ahead with their plans.

As for our opinion, we're coming out against the stadium proposal for two significant reasons.

First, although some of the standard NIMBY arguments are indeed quite weak (ie: noise and crowds will disrupt the neighbourhood), there is merit to concerns that the stadium will have a negative impact on Gastown's revitalization.

While stadium supporters argue that it will bring people into the area, it's well known in urban planning that stadiums create dead zones, sucking life out of neighbourhoods when they're not in use, and forming barriers that discourage pedestrian traffic between lively areas.

(Click on photo for larger picture.)

Indeed, with only 30 potential matches during the summer soccer season, the stadium zone would likely become quite dead during the winter months, when outdoor concerts aren't likely to be booked. It would even be lifeless on most summer days, if events are scheduled in the evenings.

Second, and more significantly, it's worthwhile to consider whether a soccer stadium would be making the best possible use of these prime waterfront lands.

A 1994 study proposed a mix of office and residential buildings in addition to park space over the Port lands. Without question, there is a need for more office space downtown, which could be met by new buildings over the railyards.

Furthermore, the combination of new office buildings, condominiums and park space would probably create a more aesthetically pleasing skyline rather than another box-like structutre along the Gastown waterfront.

Although it remains to be seen what the eventual design and location of the stadium would look like, it's difficult to imagine how such a large, wide structure would be able to integrate with the surrounding neighbourhood and extended seawall walkways.

That's our two bits, anyway. We're interested in hearing arguments to the contrary, since there is a lot of public support for the stadium out there. 

Comments

[Stadium NOW!]

Your comments contradict themselves - any development over the railyards will have challenges integrating with the neighborhood, thought it can be overcome with good design and planning.

Condo and office towers are something which CP has said is incompatible with the rail yards which are not going anywhere.

As per your arguement about revitalization the stadium will provide access to the waterfront where there is none now, along with public areas.

Economic benefits are noted in the Whitecaps proposal and backed by various groups such as the DVBIA and the Vancouver Board of Trade, etc.

There are also plenty of examples of stadiums around the world that do not bear out your arguements.

Bottom line is that the City of Vancouver supports the proposal, along with the majority of Vancouver residents.

[BarryB]

Pac Bell/ATT Park in San Francisco is completely dead for most of the day, even though it's a beautiful ballpark right on the water. Except for around gametime, people just don't go there to hang out. And at least there's around 80+ baseball games per season there.

I don't know firsthand about Safeco Field in Seattle, but from what I've heard, it's pretty dead around there too.

[Warren]

A pro-sports team wants to pay for their own downtown venue, almost unheard of in North America. Only Vancouver would balk at such an offer. I do appreciate the review process to make sure things are done right, that's what has made Vancouver the great city it is, but this project is a no-brainer, just do it!

[Fred]

I don't get people here!!! The Whitecaps owner is paying for this amazing stadium,.. and everyone here gets so caught up with stupid red-tape.. and unproven negative theories This will only bring good to the Gastown/Waterfront area and Vancouver.. With this oppourtunity it would be extremely stupid to pass it up. How can you say that the noise will disrup the residents?? Most of the surrounding area are offices and restaurants/cafes in gastown.. In fact, pretty much all of those business gladly welcome the new stadium to bolster their business.. Any other city, especially outside of Canada would have started building already.... I don't get the mentality here!!!! AAaaaahhh!!!!

[Tony]

JUST BUILD THE STUPID THING!!!! WE WANT THE NEW STADIUM!!!