Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim and Whitecaps FC CEO Axel Schuster have signed a memorandum of understanding for a new stadium at Hastings Park.The move comes as the club's lease agreement with the provincial government — which owns BC Place — expires and a new one is drawn up.. "The City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Whitecaps have signed a memorandum of understanding to "enter into an exclusive negotiation period to explore a new stadium and accompanying entertainment district at Hastings Park," Sim said during a press conference at City Hall. He explained that the negotiation period will run through the end of 2026, with the "ultimate goal of arranging a long-term lease between the city and the Whitecaps.""We intend to secure a fair market value lease while ensuring no undue financial risk to taxpayers," Sim added. "This partnership has the potential to create a heck of a lot of jobs, boost our economy, and transform Hastings Park into a vibrant destination for sports, concerts, and community events.".Schuster said he was excited about the possibility of his squad getting their own stadium at Hastings Park, but made it clear that the process will take time."I have to ask you to trust us, and to be patient," he said. "Today is important because you cannot do the second step before you do the first step."He was asked repeatedly for more details about the size and projected cost, but explained he would not be able to provide any additional information until the process had played out..The pair then sat down and formally signed the MOU..The Whitecaps are currently for sale — and some worry the owners could end up moving them to a new city.When asked about the threat of relocation, Sim did not mince words.."There’s probably absolutely no path for the Vancouver Whitecaps to remain in Vancouver without this MOU," he declared, making it clear the team's future in the city hinges on securing a new stadium.He called on the province to step up and help the team stay at BC Place for a few more years until the proposed new stadium is ready..This isn't the first time the Whitecaps have tried to find a new grounds in Vancouver. Their last attempt was quashed in large part due to a vocal minority of residents in the area who opposed a massive stadium in their neighbourhood..When asked how he would "overcome the NIMBY problem," Sim said he and his team would ensure decisions are made not with a small population set in mind, but via a lens that encompasses "what's good for the entire region, the province, and western Canada."The area is home to the Pacific National Exhibition grounds as well as the Pacific Coliseum and Hastings Racecourse. The latter two have seen their fortunes go in opposite directions as of late, with the PWHL Vancouver Goldeneyes moving in to the storied arena and racing being cancelled for good after more than a century.While BC Place is centrally located and easily accessible via SkyTrain, Hastings Park is outside the city centre and only reachable by car or bus. When asked about the location, Sim assured critics that public transit would keep up — in time.
