$1 Million Investment from Province for UBC Rowers
High performance and community rowers alike to benefit
April 13, 2005
Richmond – The province will provide $1 million to assist the University of British Columbia in the construction of a permanent rowing facility on the Fraser River, Richmond MLAs Greg Halsey-Brandt, Geoff Plant and Linda Reid announced today.
“Creating opportunities in sport and healthy-living is at the heart of our efforts to make BC one of the fittest places on earth,” said Reid. “UBC has a long rowing tradition, producing world-leaders in the sport and this facility is the realization of a long-held dream.
Named in memory of a UBC rower and rugby player, the John M.S. Lecky UBC Boathouse will be the University’s first permanent home for rowers. Once complete, the boathouse will feature 950 square metres of dock, second floor office and conference space and allow for storage of approximately 85 shells.
“I’ve been involved in helping to secure funds for the Boathouse and I’m pleased that it will soon become reality,” said Plant. “It will train new generations of recreational and elite rowers and become another significant landmark on this stretch of Richmond waterfront.”
UBC’s proposed $5.5 million, two-story boathouse will be moored in the Middle Arm of the Fraser River, less than half a kilometre from the site of the Richmond Oval speed skating facility.
“I know I speak for UBC and the rowing community, both of whom have worked tirelessly to make this project a reality for high performance, high school and recreational rowers,” said UBC Gold for Life Campaign Chair George Hungerford. “The confidence of the provincial government and the City of Richmond in support of this vital community facility completes the campaign, which is supported by many community partners and friends of rowing. It is indeed a golden day for rowing.”
“Currently, the UBC Varsity Rowing Team trains in the water under the Burrard Street Bridge,” said Halsey-Brandt. “The Fraser River offers excellent water conditions for competitive rowing and unlike the False Creek site, the new facility will be able to house equipment and other activities right on the water.”
"Richmond City Council is very pleased about this significant financial contribution from the Province," says Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie. "The entire Richmond community will benefit from the UBC Boathouse, with opportunities for recreational participants to elite athletes to participate in paddle sports in Richmond. The benefits of this facility will contribute to enhancing the vibrancy and liveability of our waterfront, and of our City."
Provincial funding for this project comes from the provincial government’s Major Post-Secondary Sports Facilities Initiative. Construction is scheduled to begin later this spring with completion expected in the fall.
