Quick fix for Port Coquitlam's new ice rink complex "without" referee change rooms
A long weekend social media frenzy resulted over reports of the apparent absence of dedicated dressing rooms for referees at the new ice rinks of the newly-opened first phase of the Port Coquitlam Community Centre, but this will likely be quickly resolved with a temporary mobile dressing room unit.
See also:
- New Port Coquitlam community centre with ice rinks and Terry Fox Library opens next week (PHOTOS)
- New $52-million Surrey sports complex with 3 ice rinks opening next month (PHOTOS)
- New $45-million complex with two NHL-sized ice rinks to be built in Burnaby
Referee change rooms are features of the next phase of the $132-million community and recreation centre project, and the City of Port Coquitlam had originally intended to use one of the eight completed dressing rooms as a referee room while the four permanent referee rooms are constructed.
But on Friday, two days after the grand opening, Port Coquitlam mayor Brad West said he was informed by the PoCo Minor Hockey Association that they were informed by Hockey Canada that “the temporary measures in place for referee change rooms while the permanent referee change rooms are being constructed are not to their satisfaction.”
The local youth hockey association expressed concern that games scheduled at the new ice rinks could be cancelled without the proper referee facilities, but the city says it is working to ensure no games are missed and the season starts on time.
Phase 1 of Port Coquitlam Community Centre reaching completion in August 2019. (City of Port Coquitlam)
“My immediate priority has been moving forward with the appropriate arrangements, but along with council, I’m also very concerned about the miscommunication that led us to this point and will be pursuing that with the staff, construction group, and advisory group involved to understand why this was not appropriately anticipated,” said West in a statement.
“It is likely this arrangement will be a temporary mobile dressing room as has been used in other in-construction projects.”
The new facility opened last week with two of the three new ice rinks and new Terry Fox Library, as well as the Wilson Lounge, games room, multi-purpose rooms, and food services.
The complex’s remaining phase one spaces, entailing a fitness centre, leisure swimming pool, and three-lane, 20-metre length swimming area, will open in early 2020.
In 2021, the second phase of the PCCC will open, consisting of a third ice rink, gymnasium, children’s area, more multi-purpose spaces, outdoor plazas, sport courts, and underground parking with 500 vehicle parking stalls.
Layout of the new Community Recreation Complex in Port Coquitlam. (Architecture 49)
Phase 1 of Port Coquitlam Community Centre reaching completion in August 2019. (City of Port Coquitlam)
Phase 1 of Port Coquitlam Community Centre reaching completion in August 2019. (City of Port Coquitlam)
