Controversy Surrounds Changes to Canadian Sports Facilities
Vancouver and Port Moody residents voice concerns over aquatic centre redesign and food vendor exclusivity.
Growing discontent over the management and planning of sports facilities has surfaced in Canadian municipalities, with significant complaints concerning the Vancouver Aquatic Centre's proposed redesign and exclusive vendor contracts at the Port Moody Recreation Centre. These issues have drawn attention from local sports organizations and athletes who fear detrimental impacts on their activities.
Recently, the Vancouver Park Board presented its initial design for the new Vancouver Aquatic Centre. This five-decade-old facility has suffered severe deterioration, leading to the need for replacement. According to the Park Board, the existing pool is becoming unsafe, with some structural damage already visible.
While the new design includes features like improved visibility, wider fitness areas, and additional leisure pools, it falls short by not incorporating the much-needed 50-metre lap pool. Philip Skinder, director and head coach of the Pacific Lifesaving Club, expressed his disappointment, stating, “The only 50-metre pool we can rent at right now is the Vancouver Aquatic Centre.” He added, “If this becomes a 25-metre pool we lose about half a kilometre square of pool space…” emphasizing the limitations on swimming space for the community.
Currently, the Pacific Swim Academy teaches aquatic skills to approximately 400 children each year and competes on international platforms. Skinder voiced worries about the operational capacity, stating, “Our programs are already at capacity, with many on waitlists.” Community members are particularly concerned with what will happen during the construction phase, which is anticipated to last three years without providing alternative facilities.
Kelly Taitinger, head coach of the Canadian Dolphin Swim Club, also expressed apprehension, saying, “All of a sudden, they are going to cut the pool in half and close it down for three years… it will destroy the club.” The Canadian Dolphin Swim Club currently runs classes and competitions out of the Aquatic Centre, making the potential changes alarming.
While Park Board Vice-Chair Brennan Bastyovanszky acknowledges the need for the 50 metre pool, he rationalizes the shift to smaller pools, contending there is significant demand for leisure pools. He indicated, “The pool is only used at about 30 per cent capacity; under the new configuration, we expect to top 80 per cent.” Bastyovanszky highlights the community needs, claiming more areas for leisure activities would benefit the greater population.
Yet, this community-focused reasoning might overlook the specific needs of athletes and clubs who rely on 50-metre facilities. Voters approved $140 million for the new facility, with the specific mention of the 50-metre pool during the 2022 municipal election—and since the announcement of the rewrite, groups have organized petitions garnering over 6,000 signatures urging decision-makers to reconsider.
Meanwhile, just outside Vancouver, Port Moody faced its own set of complications with vendor exclusivity clauses. Local hockey and lacrosse organizations have alerted council members about the financial burdens imposed by exclusive food sales contracts at the Port Moody Recreation Centre. According to Allen Wales, president of the Port Moody Lacrosse Association, the contract with WAVES Coffee has led to approximately $20,000 per year loss across non-profit sports organizations.
“Please let us help make sport more affordable for our kids,” Wales stated as he expressed concerns over how the exclusivity clauses restrict their fundraising efforts during tournaments and events. Wales criticized the poor maintenance of food vending machines, which are often empty or non-functional, particularly during busy seasons.
Stephanie Naqvi, the president of the Port Moody Amateur Hockey Association (PMAHA), echoed these sentiments, underscoring how any profit from tournament concessions considerably helps keep registration fees reasonable for participating families. These local organizations argue for the removal of the exclusivity clauses so they can independently raise funds needed to cover expenses like travel and equipment.
Responding to complaints received, Port Moody’s council unanimously approved the review of its policies surrounding these exclusivity agreements. Councillor Callan Morrison, who introduced the motion, insisted on assessing whether the city is “handcuffing” itself with these clauses, especially with investments pouring toward new recreational facilities.
According to Councillor Kyla Knowles, it is imperative for the city to explore options like corporate sponsorships and alternative fundraising avenues. She highlighted potential partnerships with businesses and other municipalities successfully leveraging public assets for revenue. “We should not allow restrictive clauses to inhibit our community’s fundraising capabilities,” Knowles added.
Even though the council’s discourse on this matter remains delicate due to contractual confidentiality, it's evident both Vancouver and Port Moody municipalities are facing significant community backlash as they try to navigate the balance between local sports needs and funding strategies.
These dual controversies exemplify the complex dynamics at play when managing public recreational facilities, showcasing the necessity for community voices to be heard as they grapple with potential changes. How these local governments address these pressing issues will largely determine the future of sports programming and community engagement within their jurisdictions.