Gastown stadium foes go on the offensive

A group of Gastown residents and neighbourhood associations has launched a campaign against a proposed soccer stadium on the Vancouver waterfront.

The new stadium would be built over the railway tracks along the Vancouver waterfront. (CBC)

The Whitecaps, who currently play their home games at Burnaby's Swangard Stadium, say the new facility could also be used for other sports as well as concerts.

They also argue that the stadium will help revitalize Gastown and the Downtown Eastside.

• FROM OCT. 13, 2005: New waterfront stadium planned

Residents of the area disagree. They say the stadium will ruin the heritage image of Gastown, and don't believe the project will benefit their community.

"This is a neighbourhood. We know one another, we meet one another," said Carol Sill of the Gastown Residents Association.

"A stadium like this, planned as it is, looks like it was just photo-shopped in. It doesn't relate to the area in any way."

John Stovell of the Gastown Neighbourhood Coalition said two other large sports facilities – B.C. Place and General Motors Place – are close by, and and have done little to boost local business.

"These stadiums have had very little positive impact. People tend to come to the stadium in a car, go into the stadium, buy a $75-hamburger, leave the stadium and go home."

Vancouver city council will hear delegations in June before making a decision on the stadium.