1. Presentation to New Westminster Parks & Recreation Committee
Building a Third Arena in New Westminster
Presentation to New Westminster Parks & Recreation Committee
Wednesday, November 29, 2017, 1800h Queensborough Community Centre
Rob Nasato – President, NWMHA
Bernie Lehmann – Vice-President, NWMHA
Mark Smith – Vice President, NWMLA
With support from: Burnaby/New West Ringette Association, Burnaby Speedskating Association, Metro Minor Ball Hockey Association

2. Making the case for a third arena…
Research is undeniable
Canadian children need lots of physical activity in order to become and/or remain healthy
Dramatic increases in the rates of obesity and diabetes are good reasons for our civic government to invest in more “active” infrastructure

3. Making the case for a third arena…
Cities like New Westminster could and should be part of the solution.
Every $ invested in “active” infrastructures pays huge dividends in terms of reduce health costs.
Cities have a unique role in supporting an active lifestyle as they are directly responsible for many community recreational programs and buildings i.e. swimming pools, gyms, skateparks etc…

4. Why fewer New Westminster kids are playing organized sport?
No, not the shift in demographics. More kids actually moving to New West.
Change in society (more single parents etc.) requires a shift in how and when we have access to organized sports
Some young players forced to get up as early as 4:30 am to be at practice for 5:30 am. Pediatricians have expressed concerns about a lack of sleep for our children as it may harm both their physical and brain development at a critical stage in their lives.
Due to the lack of facilities, Metro Ballhockey turns approx. 150 kids away each season.

5. Why fewer New Westminster kids are playing organized sport?
Practice times can be an impediment to kids from Queensborough being able to actively participate.
Competing with video games & other passive online entertainment

6. Parents and volunteer coaches impacted too
Getting more difficult to find working moms/dads who can commit to coaching when practice and game times are so limited due to only two arenas

7. Access to ice/floor for other recreational activities & sports
New Westminster kids being shipped out to neighbouring cities like Burnaby and Surrey in order to support their interest in figure skating
Public skating times limited due to requirement of ice for NWMHA
Ball hockey could expand as an option for summer recreation.

8. Why Now? Why a New Arena? An Opportunity?
Arenex collapse offers us an opportunity to accelerate development of new arena
This would support our family-friendly housing policy and help us accommodate future density and growth
New Westminster’s geographic location is an advantage in attracting events into our community

9. Sport Tourism and our Local Economy
Kamloops a good example of how sports tourism can support local economy
Vancouver has a Sports Tourism strategy to create new jobs & support local hospitality industry
We have a chance to attract and host larger events (not just in hockey or lacrosse, but speed skating, ballhockey etc.)

10. How Do We Compare with Similar Cities?
The City &District of North Vancouver (135,000 pop) has 5 arenas. They are currently re-building Harry Jerome sports centre with two sheets of ice including curling. Multi purpose recreation centres are the way to go. Lower operating costs compared to stand-alone facilities! Change rooms for co-ed teams more accessible.
Apart from the current sheet of ice, they have Karen Magnusson Arena and easy access to four more rinks at Canlan Sports Centre
Port Coquitlam (58,000 pop) will have three sheets of ice by 2018

11. How could we fund for it…
2018 civic election allows us to put capital projects on the ballot
Work with local sport groups to support a campaign encouraging ratepayers to adopt special levy to cover cost
Seek infrastructure funding grants from provincial & federal government. Perfect timing now that New Westminster has someone sitting at Cabinet table.

12. Making the case for a new arena…
Facilitates future growth & density
Helps support physical activity & better health
Allows for a wider array of year-round sporting activities i.e. speed skating, ball hockey
Provincial & federal infrastructure funding available now
Support our local economy

13. Presentation to New Westminster Parks & Recreation Committee
Building a Third Arena in New Westminster
Presentation to New Westminster Parks & Recreation Committee
Rob Nasato – President, NWMHA
Bernie Lehmann – Vice-President, NWMHA
Rich Catton – President, NWMLA
With support from: BC Figure Skating Association, BC Speedskating Association, Metro Minor Ball Hockey Association