NEW MUSTEL REPORT FINDS GASTOWN RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES SUPPORT STADIUM

VANCOUVER, B.C. – On the eve of the City Council meeting, which will determine whether the Whitecaps can continue to pursue their vision of building a waterfront stadium, the results from a new Mustel survey finds that  the majority of businesses and residents in the immediate vicinity - Gastown, Downtown Eastside and parts of Chinatown - are in favour of the proposed stadium.

“The most recent Mustel report is significant because it accurately reflects the true opinion of local residents and businesses regarding the proposed stadium,” said Bob Lenarduzzi, Whitecaps Director of Soccer Operations. “Over the last nine months we have had the opportunity to speak with a number of local residents and businesses and we have been overwhelmed by the wide support received. This strong public support reinforces what we believe – that this location, north of Gastown and next to the transit hub, is the right place for a stadium.”

A random telephone survey conducted between June 15-19, 2006 among 301 residents and 152 businesses located in Gastown, Chinatown, Downtown and Strathcona revealed that 68 per cent of area residents support the proposed stadium, outnumbering those opposed by a margin of over 2:1. Support is even higher among area businesses with 78 per cent of businesses supporting the proposal, outnumbering the opponents by a margin of over 3:1.

In addition, the survey found that in the immediate vicinity - Granville to Clark Street and East Hastings to Waterfront Street, which is consistent with the immediate vicinity as described in the Community Consultation Report as part of the City’s High Level Review - that 58 per cent of residents and 72 per cent of businesses support the stadium project in its proposed location.

When asked for their reasons for supporting the proposed multi-use venue, the majority of residents welcome the addition of a soccer or sports venue, and believe it will benefit Vancouver’s image while offering a greater variety of activities. Businesses in favour echoed similar benefits but also liked the idea of the stadium’s ability to draw people to the area while increasing their business.

The most recent Mustel report is consistent with other surveys which have taken place. Last October a Mustel survey found 71 per cent of Vancouverites are in support of the project, a recently completed Omnibus survey of Lower Mainland Residents stated 70 per cent approval. The Community Consultation Report completed for the City of Vancouver also found strong majority support with 67 per cent approval for the stadium in the proposed location. Furthermore, the City of Vancouver Staff Recommendation Policy Report revealed that 78 per cent of the emails and letters received by the City are pro-stadium.

On Tuesday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m. Vancouver City Council will hold a special council meeting to decide on the direction of the proposed Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium. Supporters of the project are encouraged to attend the meeting and communicate their position to the Mayor and Council. For more information on the proposed stadium visit www.city.vancouver.bc.ca or www.whitecapsnewstadium.com.