W e l c o m e

community Forum: Whitecaps Fc USl PRo Proposal for Queen’s Park Stadium

P R O P O S A L

Evaluate the feasibility of establishing a game day venue for a USL PRO soccer franchise in New Westminster at Queen’s Park Stadium. Team to be affiliated with Vancouver Whitecaps FC and owned by Whitecaps FC and other private parties.

Upgrade Queen’s Park Stadium to accommodate the new team. Proposed changes being studied include:

Conversion of stadium field to soccer use only Rehabilitation of existing concrete grandstand Replacement of existing wooden bleachers Increase overall stadium seating capacity to 3,500 (from current 2,000)

Addition of spaces for team locker rooms and related support areas

Development of a new synthetic turf field (with lights) to the immediate east of the stadium

Relocation of baseball facilities to an alternate location within the City of New Westminster

o U R h i S t o R yo U R t R a d i t i o n

1974 Vancouver is awarded a NASL franchise, debuting at Empire Stadium in front of 18,000 fans.

1978 Bob Lenarduzzi (current WFC president) is named North American Soccer Player of the Year.

1993 The 86ers join the American Professional Soccer League (APSL).

2001 The club reverts back to the Whitecaps name and launches the Vancouver Breakers in the USL – W League.

2003Greg Kerfoot purchases Whitecaps & Breakers, consolidating the men’s, women’s and youth teams under Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

2009Vancouver Whitecaps FC is awarded an MLS expansion franchise.

2011Vancouver Whitecaps FC defeat Toronto FC 4-2 in their MLS debut in front of 22,592 fans at Empire Field.

2012Vancouver Whitecaps FC become the first Canadian club to make the MLS Playoffs.

20142014 marks the 40th anniversary of Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

2014All seven MLS matches have been sell-outs and we expect many more to come.

VancouVer2012

1983 The Whitecaps move to BC Place Stadium and debut in front of more than 60,000 fans.

1979 The Whitecaps capture the NASL Soccer Bowl Championship over the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

1988 The 86ers capture their first of four consecutive CSL Championships.

1986 Vancouver 86ers are born and join the Canadian Soccer League (CSL) with Bob Lenarduzzi as coach.

2006 Whitecaps FC win multiple USL Titles – men win the USL First Division championship and women win the USL W-League championship.

2004 Whitecaps women win the USL W-League championship.

2007 Vancouver Whitecaps FC residency program is launched.

2008 Vancouver Whitecaps FC wins its second USL First Division Championship.

2013Striker Camilo Sanvezzo wins the MLS Golden Boot as league’s top goal scorer.

2013In their third year in MLS, Vancouver captured their first trophy – The Cascadia Cup. The ‘Caps results against Seattle and Portland earned the Blue and White a fourth Cascadia Cup title – the most among the three clubs.

The uSL Pro project ties into our club vision, values and brand to:

Grow the sport of soccer in new Westminster and in the Lower Mainland

create a professional team that provides a bridge from Whitecaps Fc youth programming to the club’s Major League Soccer (MLS) team

Develop a long-term platform to develop young players for the canadian national team

Drive and support the growth of the uSL Pro partnership with MLS

Build a successful franchise that the community can be proud of for years to come – together!

Whitecaps FC’s vision: to be a champion club on and off the soccer pitchClub values: Unity, Winning, and honour Motto: our all. our honour.

Shared vision for sport and community Strong community and great family demographic Progressive and forward thinking city with a rich sports history accessible and central location

W h y n e W W e S t m i n S t e R ?

Strongest u.S. men’s professional soccer league below and in support of Major League Soccer

Proving ground for emerging talent 18 confirmed clubs – and growing rapidly Whitecaps Fc would be the 2nd MLS club with a uSL Pro franchise, joining La Galaxy

28 match season (March through September) – 14 home matches Most matches held on weekend afternoons or early evenings

W h a t i S U S l P R o ?

Socio-economic: Jobs and services to the community Beautiful refurbished stadium at Queen’s Park affordable, family friendly entertainment for the community to enjoy – a great way to spend a weekend afternoon

camps, clinics, and other community initiatives for new Westminster youth

north america wide recognition for the city of new Westminster – 18 uSL Pro teams throughout the united States

Great opportunity to see local talent – another layer of access to soccer programs for our community

B e n e F i t S

F o R U m o B j e c t i v e S

What information needs to be gathered and

analyzed as part of the feasibility work?

What are the key impacts and benefits of the proposal?

What factors and considerations are important for

council to know before it makes a decision?

W e n e e d y o u r F e e d b a C k !

email: explore_whitecaps@newwestcity.ca

Phone: 604.527.4567

Form: See the front desk staff for a copy

Website: www.newwestcity.ca (“Hot Topics” section)

COMMUNITY PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PLANS

Plan   Sec)on   Policy  Direc)ons   How  does  the  Whitecaps  FC  USL  PRO  proposal  align  with  these  direc)ons?  

Envision  2032   Economy  and  Employment  

AFrac)ng  or  developing  investment  and  other  resources  (e.g.,  skills  and  exper)se)  to  the  community  in  order  to  create  a  more  sustainable  economy  where  employers  and  employees  want  to  be  located.    Capitalizing  on  the  advantages  of  New  Westminster  of  being  a  central,  well-­‐connected  and  transit  oriented  community  with  excellent  ameni)es,  including  parks,  trails,  recrea)on  facili)es,  historic  downtown  and  vibrant  waterfront.    

Both  the  City  and  the  Whitecaps  FC  organiza)on  could  benefit  from  having  a  facility  within  the  community  for  professional  sports.        The  proposal  may  help  aFract  addi)onal  investment  as  a  result  of  having  a  sports  franchise  within  the  community.    This  will  be  determined  by  the  Economic  Cost-­‐Benefit  Screening,  to  be  completed  by  September  15,  2014.      

Parks  and  Recrea)on  

New  Westminster  has  first  class  sport  and  fitness  facili)es.    Recrea)on  and  sport  programs  are  diverse  and  cater  to  persons  of  all  ages  and  abili)es  at  all  levels  of  achievement.    The  community  is  engaged  and  ac)vely  involved  in  the  defini)on  of  recrea)onal  needs  and  the  delivery  of  park  and  recrea)on  services.    Park  and  recrea)on  facili)es  are  designed  to  maximize  the  site’s  natural  features  and  have  minimal  environmental  impacts.  

The  proposed  stadium  upgrades  would  provide  New  Westminster  with  a  high  quality  facility,  that  would  be  made  available  to  the  community,  local  sports  groups  and  the  Whitecaps  FC  USL  PRO  franchise.    Design  of  the  stadium  upgrades  would  be  required  to  adhere  to  City  policy  to  maximize  natural  features  and  minimize  environmental  impacts.      Community  engagement  –  stakeholder  mee)ngs  and  community  forums  -­‐  will  inform  City  Council’s  final  decision  regarding  the  USL  PRO  proposal.      

Livable  City  Strategy   Economic  Development  Prospects  for  New  Westminster  

Tourism  is  a  major  growth  sector  within  the  region.  To  be  compe))ve  within  this  sector,  New  Westminster  should  consider  developing  major  cultural,  historical,  conven)on-­‐related  and  recrea)onal  aFrac)ons  in  order  to  increase  its  tourism  profile  within  the  region.  

Through  this  proposal,  New  Westminster  could  have  an  increased  recrea)onal  draw  with  regional  appeal  and  interest.  

Official  Community  Plan   Parks  and  Open  Space  Goals  

Provide  a  variety  of  recrea)onal  opportuni)es  for  the  community.     The  proposed  upgraded  facili)es  would  be  available  to  the  community  and  sports  groups.    To  ensure  a  variety  of  recrea)onal  opportuni)es  are  available  for  the  community,  addi)onal  sports  facili)es  would  be  created.    

Tourism  Goals   Con)nue  to  promote  the  parks  and  recrea)on  system  as  a  tourist  aFrac)on.  

Loca)ng  a  Whitecaps  FC  USL  PRO  franchise  within  Queen's  Park  may  provide  an  opportunity  to  showcase  the  City's  first-­‐class  parks  and  recrea)on  system.  

PARKS, CULTURE & RECREATION PLANS

Plan   Sec)on   Policy  Direc)ons   How  does  the  Whitecaps  FC  USL  PRO  proposal  align  with  these  direc)ons?  

Parks  and  Recrea)on  Comprehensive  Plan  

Vision   Provide  quality  leisure  opportuni)es  that  meet  the  needs  and  preferences  of  residents  by  offering  crea)ve,  innova)ve  and  accessible  programs,  community  facili)es,  parks  and  open  spaces  which  improve  the  quality  of  life  in  the  City  of  New  Westminster.  

The  Whitecaps  FC  USL  PRO  franchise  proposal  would  result  in  stadium  and  field  upgrades  that  could  benefit  local  sports  groups  and  the  Whitecaps  FC  USL  PRO  franchise.  

Strategies   Deliver  the  best  services  which  will  ensure  that  each  resident  has  the  feeling  and  confidence  that  they  will  be  treated  fairly,  responsibly  and  with  respect  and  will  feel  cared  for  by  the  ac)ons  taken  on  their  behalf.    Provide  quality  services,  facili)es  and  programs  which  recognize  the  varied  interests  and  needs  within  the  community.    Provide  leisure  opportuni)es  that  emphasize  fun  and  enjoyment.    Provide  comprehensive  parks  and  recrea)on  services  which  are  supported  by  the  community.    Make  parks  and  recrea)on  facili)es  a  centre  of  ac)vity  and  interest  in  the  community.    Provide  a  comprehensive  park  and  open  space  system  to  meet  the  requirements  of  present  and  future  genera)ons.  

The  City  is  engaging  stakeholders  and  the  community  for  feedback  regarding  the  Whitecaps  FC  USL  PRO  proposal  and  community  leisure  and  sports  needs.      The  proposal  supports  the  strategy  to  make  Queen's  Park  a  centre  of  ac)vity  and  interest  and  by  providing  more  opportuni)es  for  fun  and  enjoyment  within  parks.      The  proposal  could  play  an  important  role  in  encouraging  and  growing  soccer  par)cipa)on  within  the  community,  introducing  more  opportuni)es  for  athle)c  development  and  mentorship,  and  building  coaching  and  leadership  capacity.        The  proposal  would  require  upgrades  to  the  stadium  to  ensure  the  facili)es  meet  USL  PRO  standards.      The  exis)ng  baseball  field  at  Queen’s  Park  Stadium  would  be  relocated  as  part  of  this  proposal;  City  staff  would  work  with  the  community  to  determine  a  suitable  loca)on  within  the  city.      

Queen's  Park  Master  Plan   A  Vision  for  Queen's  Park  

Queen's  Park  is:    •  An  evolving  great  city  park  integra)ng  layers  of  heritage,  history  and  

individual  memories.    •  A  park  for  everyone  providing  green  space  and  recrea)on  facili)es,  culture  

and  sports  ac)vi)es  for  local  residents  and  visitors  of  all  ages.  •  A  place  of  celebra)on  and  discovery  suppor)ng  a  broad  spectrum  of  

community  and  family  ac)vi)es.    •  A  coherent  and  unified  park  that  is  well  designed  and  integrated  in  

character.  

The  Whitecaps  FC  USL  PRO  proposal  could  broaden  the  ac)vi)es  for  residents  and  visitors  when  visi)ng  the  park.    Professional  sports  within  Queen's  Park  would  see  the  con)nued  evolu)on  and  legacy  of  Queen's  Park  as  a  premier  regional  park.    Staff  will  work  with  Whitecaps  FC  to  ensure  facility  upgrades  allow  for  use  by  Whitecaps  FC  and  the  community  and  respect  the  character  of  the  park.  

Master  Plan  Overview   Replace  Stadium  Grandstand  with  a  new,  high-­‐quality  facility   The  proposal  would  require  upgrades  to  the  stadium  grandstand  to  increase  sea)ng  occupancy  and  meet  USL  PRO  standards.    

Park  Zones   The  Whitecaps  FC  USL  PRO  proposal  is  generally  consistent  with  the  Park  Zones  established  under  the  Queen’s  Park  Master  Plan.  The  area  being  proposed  is  located  within  the  "Ac)ve  Recrea)on  Zone".      

The  Park  Zones  may  need  to  be  amended  in  order  to  ensure  that  there  will  not  be  any  issues  with  keeping  this  as  an  "Ac)ve  Recrea)on  Zone"  provided  that  the  facili)es  con)nue  to  be  used  by  the  community.    

TIMELINE

   

July 7, 2014 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between Whitecaps FC and City of New Westminster on the USL PRO franchise proposal for Queen’s Park Stadium to study the possibility of bringing a professional soccer team to New Westminster.

July 8, 2014 Public announcement on proposal

July 2014 – September 2014 Queen’s Park Stadium feasibility study

• Economic Cost-Benefit Screening • Community Engagement and Consultation

• Stakeholder meetings • Community Forum 1: July 29, 2014 • Community Forum 2: August 9, 2014

• Queen’s Park Transportation and Parking Study

September 15, 2014 Final report to Council for decision

September 16, 2014 Whitecaps FC notification to USL PRO of decision

ECONOMIC COST-BENEFIT SCREENING

As part of its due diligence, the City has commissioned an Economic Cost-Benefit Screening to identify the associated costs and benefits from an arrangement with Whitecaps FC. The screening will include: •  Review of comparable initiatives in other cities

•  Review of the City’s operating and capital budget assumptions and rental rate analysis

•  Identification and rough order of magnitude of potential local benefits derived from hosting the Whitecaps FC USL PRO franchise

•  Defining the area of influence for potential commercial benefits

•  Benefits to local businesses, such as food and beverage, hotels, professional sports specialties, etc., both on game days and throughout the year

•  Sponsorship opportunities

•  Spin-off benefits such as relationships and partnerships that could be created and leveraged for other opportunities either by the City, the community or other local organizations (e.g., use of the City’s Anvil conference centre for team/organization related events, attracting new businesses due to increased quality of life,)

•  Social benefits to the community (sense of community pride, improved training facilities, skill and sport development opportunities, etc)

•  High level review of costs versus benefits

•  A generalized conclusion on whether the City would receive a positive return on investment

Queen’s Park has a long history of sports dating back to 1886 when the first race track was built.  Sports Facilities: •  1930 – Civic Arena, (later named Queen’s Park Arena) built and used

for badminton, basketball and horse shows. •  1938 – Queen’s Park Arenex built to accommodate dry-floor

activities when ice is installed at the Arena. •  1950 – The main section of the Stadium Grandstand is rebuilt into

the structure known today. •  2012 – The official opening Queen’s Park East Artificial Turf field

with financial contribution from Royal City Youth Soccer Club.

Sports Teams: •  Lacrosse – New Westminster Salmonbellies 1889 – present

–  Won the Mann Cup 26 times, most recently in 1991 •  Baseball – Vancouver Cannons, Junior and Senior, 2009 – present •  Baseball – New Westminster Little League

- 2013, D6 9/10 All-Stars Champions - 2008, D3 Senior Big League Champion – New Westminster Royals

•  Hockey – New Westminster Bruins 1971-1981; 1983-1988 –  Western Hockey League Champions 1975,1976,1977, & 1978 –  Memorial Cup Champions 1977 & 1978

•  Hockey – New Westminster Royals 1945-1959; 1967-1996 –  1950 – Won the PCHL Championship in Queen’s Park Arena

•  Community sport organizations (Minor Hockey, Royal City Youth Soccer, New Westminster Minor Lacrosse, New Westminster Softball, and Shasta Trampoline)

HISTORY OF SPORT IN QUEEN’S PARK

Queen’s  Park  Stadium,  present   Mann  Cup   Minto  Cup,  1910  

QUEEN’S PARK

QUEEN’S PARK STADIUM

GETTING TO QUEEN’S PARK

Then…  

and  now…  

Queens  Park  Exhibi@on  Grounds  and  BC  Electric  Railway  Network,  circa  1905  

Transit  Routes:  C3,  C4,  C9,  106,  128,  123,  155,  SkyTrain   Greenways  and  Bike  Routes  

Pedestrian  and  Vehicular  Access  and  Parking   Example  of  Whitecaps  FC  Bike  Parking  in  Vancouver  

TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING

Current Conditions and Issues: •  Game day traffic demand similar to

Salmonbellies playoff game •  Potential for multiple concurrent events (e.g.,

weddings, picnic, hockey, gymnastics, etc.) •  550 on-site parking stalls, anticipated

demand ~1000 vehicles •  Large local fan base expected •  Soccer fans tend to carpool and use

alternative modes •  Site is close to multiple bus routes, SkyTrain

stations and Greenways  Transportation and Parking Study: •  Use of internal parking stalls •  Identify potential overflow parking locations: •  City Hall •  Justice Institute of BC •  Front Street Parkade

•  Promotion of alternative modes (walking, cycling, transit, carpooling, etc.)

•  Shuttle bus to SkyTrain/overflow parking •  Potential resident-only parking options

5-­‐  and  10-­‐minute  walk  circles  from  stadium  

Exis@ng  park  and  stadium  access