Bell chimes in on B.C. Place screen flap

Finally, the British Columbia government reveals the response by Pat Bell, minister responsible for B.C. Place Stadium, to Mayor Gregor Robertson on the controversial B.C. Place Stadium advertising screens.

These are the screens that the Vision Vancouver majority city council calls "not in compliance." They refuse to use the plain English expression "too big, too bright."

Bell claims in the reply to Robertson's Oct. 24, 2011 letter that B.C. Pavilion Corporation has reduced operating hours of the Beatty Street sign (at Terry Fox Plaza) and claimed neighbours complained during the testing phase "when it was brighter than planned." He claims the screen was dimmed by 50 percent during the day and 20 percent in the early evening. Similar dimming occurred on the outdoor screens that face the Cambie Bridge and Georgia Viaduct.

The Bell letter (below) was typed Nov. 23, 2011. Kevin Quinlan, Robertson's assistant, said it was received Dec. 12, 2011.

The signs, as I reported in the Vancouver Courier, are owned and operated by Telus. Telus was supposed to become the naming rights sponsor of the stadium. Bell continues to ignore my requests for an interview. So I'll make it easy for him:

How far above the $563 million budget did renovation costs escalate? Is it a $10 million overrun... $50 million... $100 million... $200 million?

How much does PavCo owe Telus?

And what about that lawsuit between Freyssinet and Canam?

There is a comments box below, Mr. Bell. You can also email or Tweet me.

Over to you, Mr. Bell.

PavCo Responds to Mayor