Whitecaps Stadium update

 Here is a status report on the proposed stadium for the Gastown area of  downtown Vancouver.  Good news (from my perspective!)

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."