A plan that will guide Coquitlam's sports facility usage for the next decade was approved by city council Monday evening.
Consultant services will be required to complete the report, which will address the city's long-term ice rink needs and short-term capacity challenges. Council has proposed to use between $40,000 and $50,000 to complete the report, which will consider future population growth, demographics, sport participation and expected arena use.
Coun. Craig Hodge said the draft report outlines the need for joint facilities and he wants to see opportunities to build future ice facilities next to pools and gymnasiums.
"I want to know numbers and I want to see details in this because this has been a long time coming," Hodge said. "Our sports community and the public who use the facilities deserve to know what our plans are for the next couple of years and what our plans are for 10 years from now as our population grows, as our city grows and, in some cases, as different sports emerge."
The future of the Planet Ice facility should also be discussed, Hodge said. That facility is currently operated in partnership with the municipality, and council has the option of letting the city's lease run out and taking ownership of the four rinks.
According to the parks, recreation and culture draft master plan, participation in a number of ice sports and the demand for ice time is continually growing.
The final arena services and facility strategy evaluation is to start in April and be completed by November.
During Monday's meeting, Coun. Bonita Zarrillo expressed her concerns about the need for other types of recreational space.
"I just wanted to make sure when these terms of reference go to the consultant, it's not all about hockey games," she said. "We have to incorporate everybody.
Zarrillo added: "There are so many strategy documents being prepared right now, I would hate to see the arts and culture one lose priority because it has been in the works longer than this one."
