Vancouver is now one step closer to seeing Formula E electric cars race in False Creek next summer.
City councillors Sarah Kirby-Yung and Michael Wiebe proposed a zero-emission race, The 2022 Vancouver E-Prix, as part of a business conference focused on climate and sustainability.
Their motion was approved by a majority vote in council Wednesday (April 28).
Hosted by a Canadian promoter of the Formula E World Championship, OSS Group, the E-Prix is projected to generate 3,000 jobs and $80 million in revenue.
The conference will also see music concerts grace stages in False Creek – for which operators at tourism hubs including BC Place, Rogers Arena and Science World have already pledged support.
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The approval comes nearly two decades after Vancouver saw its last Molson Indy held on the same very same grounds.
Much like the annual Champ Car race, viewing grandstands with a capacity for tens of thousands of people will be erected along the circuit.
OSS Group plans to cover the cost of hosting the E-Prix, as well as any traffic or management totals incurred by the city as a result.
The group will also install permanent electric vehicle charging stations for the public and provide transportation for at-risk youth to attend.
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Canadian driver Paul Tracy pulls out of the pits during the morning session at the Molson Indy in Vancouver, B.C., Saturday, July 26, 2003 (CP/Richard Lam)
