BC Place host Canada Task Force 1 for remote camp operation training

March 15^th, 2022

A team of all-stars took to the pitch for a training session recently at BC Place - only this time, they weren’t kicking a ball around.

Late last month, BC Place played host to Canada Task Force 1 (CAN-TF1), a special operations team of up to 130 members from Vancouver Police Department, Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services, BC Ambulance Service, City of Vancouver Engineering Services, and Vancouver Park Board.

One of six Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR) Task Force teams in Canada, the group took part in mobilizing training sessions, involving remote camp setup and emergency water treatment infrastructure installation.

Coming off a busy 2021 where the team was mobilized at the Sumas flooding and the Agassiz landslide, as well as industrial collapses in Kelowna and North Vancouver, CAN-TF1 required a safe, dry, and large space to orient members of the team with base camp operations and setup.

“The square-footage for this type of operation requires a warehouse-type space. There’s very limited options in the city of Vancouver to do that,” said David Boone, Director of CAN-TF1. “If we were to do this outside, there’s a lot of moisture in the air. Once these tents are wet, if they’re packed away, it could build mildew and have issues. To have a community partner like BC Place provide a dry environment that’s safe and secure, is a huge advantage for us.”

The stadium has hosted various first-responder groups in the past, even once making use of the catwalk around the world-famous BC Place roof to simulate different rescue operations.

“We’ve used BC Place for Fire and HUSAR exercises, and this is just one more example of the great benefit we have in access to BC Place,” added Boone. “We appreciate BC Place for sharing their space for us.”

Part of the CAN-TF1 remote camp simulation at BC Place was a mobile water treatment and distribution infrastructure that can produce 19,000 liters of drinking water from a contaminated source. Potable water is crucial at remote camps, and is used for consumption, showering, hand washing, cooking, decontamination and cleaning.

“I’ve been to several games here, and I watched my father-in-law play bagpipes during a BC Lions game. One day you might be watching a soccer game, then another day you’re in a training scenario,” shared Scott Hamilton, CAN-TF1 Logistics team member. “It’s pretty unique to be able to do this in the city you work in. It means a lot to the team to have access to a facility like this.”

BC HOME + GARDEN SHOW: What you need to know before coming to the show

March 10^th, 2022

Updated as of March 11:

Springtime is just around the corner!

What better way to get ready for patio season than a visit to the BC Home + Garden Show this week?

Here’s everything you need to know to get set for the show:

Health & Safety: Face masks are recommended but not required. Full vaccination is required for attendees ages 12 and above. Only BC Vaccine Cards are accepted for BC residents. Government-issued photo IDs are required for attendees ages 19 and above.

Hours & Ticketing: Attendees may purchase their tickets at bchomeandgardenshow.com.

• Prices:
  Adult (13-59) - $16.00
  Seniors (60+) - $11.00
  Half Day Ticket - $8.00
  Child (12 & Under) - Free
• Times:
  Thursday: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
  Friday: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
  Saturday: 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
  Sunday: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Entrance: Attendees are asked to enter through Gate A on Terry Fox Plaza along Beatty Street.

Food & Beverage: There are plenty of food options throughout the show available at the Food Court. From specialty mac and cheese at The Mac Bar, to burgers and pizzas and curries, the selection will have something for everybody.

Cashless venue: As part of our commitment to a contactless guest experience, all purchases at BC Place are now cashless transactions. A cash-to-card system will be available at the food court to accommodate guests who may only have cash and no digital forms of payment. The cash-to-card system allows guests to purchase a gift voucher with a unique QR code that can be used for purchases at all Food & Beverage concessions at BC Place.

Exhibitors: Exhibitors are asked to enter through the East Exhibitor Entrance along Griffiths Way. Please make sure to read the Exhibitor Kit as it is being constantly updated. The page includes information about order forms, floor plans, exhibitor badges, and more.

HOME OPENER FAQS: WHAT FANS NEED TO KNOW FOR SATURDAY'S MATCH

March 3^rd, 2022

What to bring and what not to bring to the 'Caps match

The day is finally here as BC Place welcomes Whitecaps FC fans back to the building for the much-anticipated home opener this Saturday.

Here's everything you need to know for Saturday's big event pitting the hometown club against defending MLS Cup champions New York City FC:

• COME EARLY: Gates A, C, D, E, G, and H open at 2 p.m. Gate H opens at 1:30 p.m. for suites and club seats. To ensure you're in your seat for the 3 p.m. kickoff, plan to arrive at the doors by 2:15 p.m.
• BAG POLICY: Guests are encouraged not to bring bags to the stadium. If necessary, guests may enter with one clear plastic bag that is no larger than 12” x 12” x 6”. Guests may also carry one clutch purse no larger than 6.5” x 8.5” – a slightly bigger size than in years past. Bags and purses are subject to search. Bag check is available at Gates C & H.
• BRAND NEW OFFERINGS: Make sure to check out our new menu. Come by Beast Unleashed at Section 210 for The Smash Burger with a "golden" bun, Short Rib Bao Burger, or Kimchi Dog! Don't forget the classics at Dawson's Hot Dogs, Lionsgate Grill, and The Poutinerie. BC Place is a cashless venue, and a Cash-to-Card station can be found at Section 235.
• SAFETY REMINDERS: Following provincial health protocol, full vaccination is required for fans ages 12 and above. Only BC Vaccine Cards are accepted for BC residents. Government-issued photo IDs are required for fans ages 19 and above. Face masks are required for fans ages 5 and above.
• STAND WITH UKRAINE: Fans are encouraged to wear blue & yellow as we stand united with all Ukrainians here in British Columbia and around the world. BC Place has been glowing in Ukrainian flag colours at the top of each hour every night.