Keeping them honest, the Mayor (and Mayor hopeful) and Council’s support or lack thereof for the Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium proposal by the Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
Friends of Soccer has invited the six major Vancouver candidates for Mayor to express their views on the Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium proposal.
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-Gregor Robertson response (May 8, 2008) - text
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-Sam Sullivan response (May 10, 2008) - text
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-Allan DeGenova response (May 10, 2008) - video
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-Peter Ladner response (May 16, 2008) - text
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Sam Sullivan, Mayor of Vancouver (NPA)
“Letter to Vancouver Sun re: Whitecaps stadium initiative
Dear Editor,
I am responding to your guest editorial regarding the new Whitecaps stadium in Vancouver to let your readers know that I am completely supportive of this initiative.
The issue of building a new privately funded soccer stadium is dependent on a complex negotiation between the federally controlled Port of Vancouver and the proponent. The City of Vancouver is not at the negotiating table.
I personally championed the issue of the stadium during several meetings in Ottawa with officials responsible for Canada's ports. I am also encouraging Council and our staff to expedite our approval process once the negotiations are complete.
I was also open to discussions of building a new stadium on City owned land outside the downtown core, however, the Whitecaps preferred a waterfront location.
I am hopeful that the negotiations between the Port and the Whitecaps will prove fruitful and that this proposal can come back to Council for approval in short order. Only then can we begin to move forward on building a world-class, premiere facility that will make all Vancouverites proud.
Sam Sullivan
Mayor
City of Vancouver”
“Sam busy man on his trip 'back East'” (The Province, December 3, 2007)
“Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan's meetings with the high and mighty in Ottawa and Toronto this week will cover a smorgasbord of issues, from homelessness to security for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Meetings with Transport and Infrastructure Minister Lawrence Cannon, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, Health Minister Tony Clement and Environment Minister John Baird will occupy the Ottawa portion of his trip.
Sullivan said yesterday he'll be trying to expedite a soccer stadium on the city's waterfront when he meets with Cannon.
"I want to ensure the stadium is squarely on the agenda of the minister and he will do whatever he can to expedite it," the mayor said. "I want to ensure the minister realizes this is a priority for Vancouver."
Raymond Louie, City of Vancouver Councillor (Vision), e-mail reply, November 19, 2007
“Dear Mr Kostiuk,
Thank you for your email enquiry regarding the Whitecaps Stadium proposal.
As you have noted, City Council unanimously supported the staff recommendations below and Vision Vancouver continues to support this work being done. I have made several enquiries but we are currently in a holding pattern due to the negotiations between the Port and the Whitecaps.
I hope that we can soon have an application to consider for rezoning.
Sincerely,
Raymond Louie
Councillor, City of Vancouver”
Peter Ladner, City of Vancouver Councillor (NPA), e-mail newsletter, November 19, 2007
“Stadium tedium
The downtown waterfront Whitecaps stadium proposal is still limping along, moving through legal and financial negotiations between the Whitecaps and the Vancouver Port Authority (VPA).
The Whitecaps want to swap their rail lands for the stadium site on port waterfront property by the heliport, closer to Crab Park. To accomplish this, they have to:
1.Secure federal and VPA board approval, then
2.Complete a technical and public review process with the City of Vancouver (expect Downtown Eastside pushback), then
3.Secure approval from the City Council to rezone the property, then
4.Complete a 12-month rezoning process, then
5.Complete a 4-month development permit process and then
6.Greg Kerfoot could start construction of this great gift to the city.
All members of the NPA Caucus are strong supporters of this initiative and will be working hard to shorten the City's timelines.”
Suzanne Anton, City of Vancouver Councillor (NPA)
November 13, 2007 in the Vancouver Sun:
“City councillor Suzanne Anton said she will urge council to act quickly on final approval. "Negotiations with the Port Authority are primarily centred on where the stadium will be located," said Anton. "It's not resolved yet, but the process needs to be speeded up. We have a wonderful opportunity here for a first-class facility that will serve many, many purposes, including soccer. I will urge council to move forward quickly on this project."
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