The City of Vancouver confirmed the cost of the PNE’s new amphitheatre has climbed to $183.7 million, well above the original $64.8 million estimate. Construction on the open-air venue is taking shape over Hastings Park, but city officials blamed the rising price of materials and labour, as well as challenging ground and soil conditions, for the huge increase. “I think this should be a really big red flag about the kinds of cost overruns the taxpayers are on the hook for, with the FIFA World Cup coming next summer,” said Carson Binda, BC director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. FIFA is counting on the amphitheatre, with its sweeping wooden roof, to be ready on time in order to host official World Cup watch parties next summer. Despite broader cuts to civic programs, council approved the additional spending. “The renewed amphitheatre represents a major investment in Vancouver’s cultural infrastructure,” read a City of Vancouver statement. “Once complete, it will provide a world-class venue for music, festivals, arts and community events, enhancing the city’s reputation as a destination for cultural and entertainment experiences.” PNE spokesperson Laura Ballance described the performance space as an important cultural venue in the province for decades. “The project was deemed to be so important to the region that the decision was made by Vancouver City Council, and supported by PNE Board of Directors, to move forward with the project,” she wrote in a statement. Vancouver city councillor Pete Fry said the city simply had to deliver on what it promised to FIFA. “It’s not something I’m especially happy with, but the reality is that we have the world arriving on our doorstep in about six months,” said Fry. “We have a commitment to deliver a fan fest, and it will be at the amphitheatre site.” The PNE expects the venue to open in early summer, hoping to host an inaugural celebration before handing the site over to FIFA.
