The Vancouver Park Board has opened a new $3.2-million paddling centre at False Creek.
The board says funding came from Concord Pacific via Community Amenity Contributions, as well as a $1-million donation from the CEO of Concord Pacific.
“Floating lanterns were the inspiration for the centre’s design, which the architect captured by using semi-translucent panels and simple cube structures. The building is gently lit at night to achieve the lantern effect,” said Park Board Chair Sarah Kirby-Yung in a statement.
The building consists of six small storage buildings for paddling equipment and non-motorized boats, and six floating docks.
“We’re obviously very excited about having this great facility as we’ve been looking for a permanent home for 20 years,” said Frederic Lajeunesse, Chair of non-profit Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society.
“Our society believes that everyone, regardless of who they are, should have access to the water and paddling based recreation.”
The centre will be holding a community paddling day on April 30.