Ucluelet’s post-Family Day council meeting on Feb. 21 was teeming with stellar news about enhancing recreation.
ICE RINK AND POOL
First up to bat was the West Coast Multiplex Society (WCMS) with a presentation to council that included a short video featuring approving testimony from the likes of Canada’s surf legend Pete Devries, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation leader Moses Martin, and Courtenay-Alberni MP Good Johns.
Formed almost 30 years ago with the dream of bringing an ice rink to the eight West Coast communities of Tofino, Ucluelet, Long Beach Area C and the First Nations communities of Ahousaht, Toquaht, Yuułuiłath, Tla-o-qui-aht and Hesquiaht, representatives from the WCMS asked Ucluelet’s mayor and council to reaffirm their support for the “shovel ready” project.
“The land is confirmed by the (Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District) in writing for the location of the multiplex facility, which will be along Airport Road,” said WCMS chair Samantha Hackett.
She went on to say that Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation would own the facility and is leading the grant application process. Hackett said recent meetings with MLA Josie Osborne and MP Gord Johns were positive and “further confirm the support and need for unity to strengthen regional support for future grant applications”.
“The support of the local communities remains as important as ever,” said Hackett, noting that the multiplex is an excellent candidate for the recently announced Growing Communities Fund, which offers a one-time total of $1-billion in grants to all 188 of B.C.’s municipalities.
“Alone, each of the eight communities could request about half a million dollars, but together, we could secure $4-million for the whole region,” she said.
SKATEPARK EXPANSION
Next on deck was the Ucluelet Skate Park Committee with a pitch to council about expanding the skatepark.
Leon Davies, a member of the Ukee Skate Park Committee, asked council for their endorsement to launch into the third stage of development, which would feature a three foot mini and a flat ground area.
“The goal with the third phase would be to have a user-friendly section made. The earlier stages, the bowl was quite advanced, so our goal is to make something that is more user-friendly,” said Davies.
Councillor Shawn Anderson expressed his support.
“This is a great idea and thank you for doing this,” he said.
The next steps for the Ukee Skate Park Committee is to start fundraising for the build.
FRISBEE DISC GOLF
Last, but certainly not least, was the Pacific Rim Rotary Club with an ace in the hole report to council for a frisbee disc golf course located near Ucluelet’s water tower park grounds. District staff shared findings from an archaeological assessment conducted by Ucluelet First Nation and a biophysical assessment conducted by Redd Fish Restoration Society.
“Based on the results of the assessment, no further archaeological work is required and the propose activity is not expected to result in any significant adverse effects to the environment,” said Ucluelet’s director of Parks and Recreation Abby Fortune. She went on to note that the district would provide annual maintenance of the frisbee disc golf course, but the Pacific Rim Rotary Club would be responsible for the construction and general maintenance.
Mayor Marilyn McEwen called the report “very thorough”.
Councillor Mark Maftei asked the Rotary Club how many frisbee golfers would use the course.
“The numbers are endless really. The amount of tournaments going around the Island and the growing popularity of the sport is hard to measure. The amount of attraction its had here in Ucluelet has been substantial. There is a lot of interest in the course,” said Pacific Rim Rotary member Jeff Anderson.
Council voted unanimously in favour of the frisbee disc golf course proposal. The next steps for the Pacific Rim Rotary Club is develop a land use agreement with the District of Ucluelet and to construct the course.
“We’ll be looking for volunteers to come out and help construct the course. We’ll need people to help clear bush and just play the course. We don’t have a timeline yet, but as far as I can see, I think we’ll be having a go at this pretty quick,” Anderson said after the council meeting.
Anyone interested in helping should reach out to: uclueletrotaryclub@gmail.com.
nora.omalley@westerlynews.ca
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