Vancouver City Council has agreed to fast-track a ruling on what can be built on the parking lots around B.C. Place -- information the stadium says it needs to plan the budget for fixing the stadium's domed roof.

PavCo, the Crown corporation that manages the False Creek facility, says it wants to keep the stadium open for at least another 30 years.

It also wants to know how much of the land can be built on, which would help it estimate how much it can make from developers of towers on the land -- money that would help foot the bill for refurbishing the 25-year-old stadium.

The towers are expected to contain a mix of residential and commercial space.

The request posed a dilemma for the city, which already has a planning process under way for the area around the stadium.

Yesterday, council agreed to make up its mind about the stadium land, moving the issue four months ahead of a decision that was to have been made in October.

Three other major developers interested in building on properties in the area will have to wait for a decision on their properties' potential.

PavCo chief David Podmore told council an early decision would help him present a detailed budget to the provincial cabinet on an overall plan to repair the facility, which will host opening and closing ceremonies for the 2010 Olympic Games.

Repairs to the inflatable roof, which ripped open last year, are expected to be done before the Games begin.

Plans call for better concession stands, washrooms and an outdoor plaza, which may host a new home for the B.C. Sports Hall of Fame.

© The Vancouver Province 2008