Coquitlam’s parks department says it needs more resources to deal with the dramatic increase in the number of sports tournaments hosted at city facilities.
In the last three years, the number of events has jumped close to 70%, rising from 59 in 2014 to more than 100 in 2017.
“This growth in volume has put significant pressure on staff resources needed to support this sport hosting demand,” said a report. “The influx in signature tournaments requires staff to liaise with organizers well in advance in addition to providing support through the event day setup and cleanup.”
Maintenance crews have also been strained under the increased workload.
As a result, staff said they would be making a budget request as part of the 2018 financial plan consultations to increase staffing, although a report presented to council on Monday did not include a dollar amount.
Coquitlam has hosted several major sports events recently, including the Harry Jerome International Track Classic in June, and has bid to host the 2022 FIL Men’s World Field Lacrosse Championship.
The city has 42 playing fields, 33 ball diamonds and a lawn bowling green along with the rinks at the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex.
