Local sports organizations – particularly minor sports – should get priority over out-of-town customers in booking facilities, says the Burrards president.
Ridge Meadows Minor Lacrosse president Tyson Craiggs is angry that the largest minor lacrosse association in Canada has been displaced by an out-of-town organization renting rink time at Planet Ice this week. Lacrosse can’t get into Cam Neely Arena until April 20.
Craiggs’ beef is not with TAG Gymnastics, but he and the rest of the association are wondering how this for-profit business from Port Coquitlam was able to displace the hometown kids, right at the start of their season.
The Burrards are scrambling to rent floor time in other cities, chiefly Langley and Surrey, to get their kids in the game. They are able to use Pitt Meadows arenas.
Craiggs said Maple Ridge already struggles to support its local user groups without accommodating customers from other cities, and says the city is in desperate need of more arenas.
“We’re the largest club in Canada now, and growing,” said Craiggs, noting they have 700 players in box lacrosse, and 600 who register for field play.
“We all live here, and pay taxes here – we should get first choice,” he asserted.
“And for a fast-growing city, we’re already 20 years behind on facilities.”
The city’s first choice was TAG gymnastics, the PoCo-based business that offers recreational and competitive gymnastics. They are hosting provincial championships at the rink from April 16 to 19.
There have been athletes from Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows involved with TAG, as well as other gymnastics clubs in the region.
Gymnastics BC announced the event will bring more than 2,000 athletes, coaches, judges and spectators to the city for the event.
A member of the Burrard’s executive, Keith Holloway, asked pointed questions to the city.
“TAG is not a non-profit and it is very concerning that this event is happening in Maple Ridge at the arena,” said Holloway in an email to city hall.
“Our season is underway, and games have been scheduled by our Provincial Sport Organization, and we have nowhere to play them except in other cities outside Maple Ridge.”
He was answered by Dave Speers, the city associate recreation director, who said TAG inquired for arena time in November of 2025, and a provincial competition meets the criteria of the city allocation policy. He explained tournaments get priority over games and practices, and that both for-profit and non-profit organizations can book the space.
“Undoubtedly, there is a premium on dry floor time, and with other events such as Homeshow, and Country Fest, this new event dips into and decreases the amount of days available,” Speers allowed.
“To support future allocation decisions, we are currently reviewing the policy and are committed to making it work better for the local sport users. These changes will be going forward to council towards the end of 2026.”
The city plans to expand Planet Ice by two more ice surfaces, but because it encroaches on farmland, the city has applied to the Agricultural Land Commission, and has not heard back.
There could be solutions other than arena expansion.
Holloway told The News that one comparatively affordable solution would be to have covered, multi-use outdoor courts, which are popping up in other cities.
“That would be a huge help for us,” he said, noting such a facility is currently being built as part of recreation expansion in Pitt Meadows.
The City of Mission is covering a lacrosse box at an approximate cost of $2 million, including lighting, new boards, seating, and a multi-sport surface.