Whitecaps Stadium Public Hearings Planned

Hello all,

Not much has been happening on the Whitecaps Stadium front since the local elections in November. On the whole, the election of NPA & Vision Vancouver candidates appears to have been positive news as there are now no clear opponents of the stadium project on council.

However, the public consultation process is about to get underway and we need voices to counter the local opposition to the stadium. The public meetings are called "Open Houses", and they're less confrontational and softer than formal public hearings. There's a list of dates and times below. The City of Vancouver is also accepting written submissions, so those of you who believe in the stadium project, but don't necessarily live in Vancouver can also participate.

In some of the discussions I've had with councillors and the people involved with City Planning, it's becoming apparent that there is a huge awareness gap when it comes to soccer and the need for Soccer Specific Stadiums in North America. The more people can talk about the growth of the game and the benefits of having the game in its own home, the better. The submission I'm working on also emphasizes the transit-friendly location of the stadium and the positive economic benefits to Gastown, Downtown and the Downtown Eastside.

If you'd like to make a written submission, you should address it to:
Kevin McNaney,Planner, Central Area Planning, City of Vancouver
#406 - 515 West 10th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5Z 4A8
kevin.mcnaney@vancouver.ca

Here are the list of Open Houses:

Monday, March 6, 2:00pm - 8:00pm
W Room at Woodwards,
101 West Hastings Street

Tuesday, March 7, 3:00pm - 8:00pm
Storyeum Lobby,
142 Water Street

Wednesday, March 8,
2:00pm - 8:00pm
Harbour Centre Lobby (Hastings Entrance),
555 West Hastings Street

Saturday, March 11, 10:00am - 4:00pm
Vancouver Public Library,Central Branch - Promenade,
350 West Georgia Street

You can find details on the project and the time frame for the City Planning report at:http://www.vancouver.ca/commsvcs/currentplanning/whitecaps//review.htm