Could old SkyTrain cars help solve B.C.s affordable artist space crunch? – BC [Video]

A group of Vancouver entrepreneurs wants to see the region’s old SkyTrain cars transformed into modular artist studios.

TransLink is expected to decommission about 150 of its original Mark I SkyTrain cars over the next two years. The iconic cars were first put into service ahead of Vancouver’s Expo 86, and formed the foundation of the region’s first rapid transit rail service.

Now, hospitality and arts space operator the Narrow Group and Apartment Sage Real Estate are making the case they should be repurposed and distributed across the province.

“This is a big part of Vancouver for any Vancouver resident — Expo 86 was a huge, iconic event, and I think it needs to be preserved,” said Apartment Sage’s Sage Brocklebank.

“It seems like a natural win-win. We could fit the SkyTrains in parking lots, we could fit them in community centres, we could fit them in airports, in parks, …