To counter climate change, two Vancouver city councilors are proposing that the city host a zero-emission Formula E car race this July.
The battery electric race would be part of a business conference on climate and sustainability hosted by a private Canadian Formula E World Championship organizer, the OSS Group.
“It would bring the city significant economic benefits and support the recovery of the gutted tourism sector,” said a joint application by Sarah Kirby-Yung and Michael Wiebe.
“The sector has been decimated by the pandemic with job losses and company closures.”
If approved, the event is expected to create 3,000 jobs and $ 80 million in revenue.
The conference would also host music concerts and a race in the False Creek area – for which tourism representatives, including representatives from BC Place, Rogers Arena and Science World, have already pledged their support.
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The consideration comes nearly two decades after the last Molson Indy was held on the same site in Vancouver.
Similar to the annual Champ Car race, grandstands with a capacity for tens of thousands of people would be built on the racetrack.
The OSS Group would cover the costs of hosting the event as well as the city’s transport or administrative costs.
As part of the event, the organization group will install charging stations for electric vehicles for the public and provide access and transportation for young people at risk.
The motion is due to be discussed by the Mayor of Vancouver and the rest of the council on Wednesday (April 27).
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sarah.grochowski@bpdigital.ca
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The start / finish line at Molson Indy in Vancouver on August 31, 2000. (CP / Kevin Frayer)
