why would anyone want to cover this up?


Here's something completely different, Kevin Potvin (Vancouver Courier columnist)doesn't like the idea that someone wants to build a facility, with his own money, that has multi-use potential for the enjoyment of all. A building that will undoubtedly benefit the people that use and work in it as well as the city and the community that it calls home. (Kevin hasn't read last weeks Courier, or at least the part that talks about how big, private money basically built Commercial Drive).

Even more strange may be the fact that the proposed Whitecaps stadium will be built expounding the very issues that Mr. Potvin preaches to us almost every week. This stadium will be built using sustainable and environmentally sound building practices and it will be the most transit friendly facility of its kind in North America. People will be able to easily access it by bus, train, skytrain, seabus and, even bicycle or foot for many.

While there are certainly challenges that owners and builders must face given the unique location and preliminary design of this structure, those concerned must remember that stadium plans are still in their infancy. Obviously and for a multitude of reasons, including the ability for emergency services to respond to incidents, the ability to evacuate the premises if necessary, the ability for stadium owners to obtain insurance etc., serious consideration will have to be given to the risk potential of the railyard below. But then it is unlikely that the first shovelful of dirt will be removed until proof that strategies to mitigate such risks have been demonstrated. Conversely, one significant earthquake in the area will likely mean that all that's left of Gastown is the new Whitecaps Stadium.

Still, others have complained that the competition that may be introduced through stadium restaurants and retail outlets will place an unwanted burden on existing Gastown merchants. This despite the latest Mustel report that shows 78% approval for the project by local businesses. There is also the argument that the "look" of the stadium won't fit the "historic design" of Gastown. My kids and I visited Gastown today and it seems to me that the community kind of looks in and onto itself anyway and therefore stands with its "back" to "the last piece of critical waterfront in urban Vancouver". I'm sure that historic Gastown won't even notice its there.

The fact is, this stadium may actually be the very thing needed to re-connect Gastown with the waterfront and, for that matter the rest of the city. Gastown may once again be more than the tourist magnet that it has become. At least that is what two former mayors and a majority of residents and business owners think anyway. Even if Kevin Potvin and a small number of others don't agree.