That latter aspect played a big role in the demise of the Vancouver Molson Indy in 2004 after a decade-and-a-half of huge crowds and great racing on the edge of False Creek, just east of downtown Vancouver.
Formula E cars are not loud at all — in fact, the nearby Skytrain is said to be louder — and the track will use some sections of the former Indy circuit, though according to the race promoter, “56 per cent less city streets” than the Indy.
“We’ve drawn the track, we’ve gotten approval for the track, and we fully understand what streets need to be closed and diversions need to be made,” said OSS Group CEO Matthew Carter during yesterday’s virtual public council hearing.
The motion to hold the race was brought to city council by Sarah Kirby-Yung, an independent councillor; and Green Party councillor Michael Wiebe as a way to help the pandemic-battered tourism and hospitality industries of Vancouver and British Columbia.