A Message from CUPE 1048 President and the Workers Who Keep the Ice Cold
In the boardroom at City Hall, the Kopar Memorial Arena (our beloved Coliseum) seems to be discussed as an “aging asset” or a “liability.” But for the people who actually work inside those walls every day, the story is very different.
CUPE 1048 is officially opposing the demolition of the Kopar Memorial Arena.
We aren’t just saying this as a labor union, we are saying this as the experts who know this building better than any out-of-town consultant.
The Voices from the Floor: 40 Years of Expertise
One of our veteran Facility Operators, who has called The Kopar Arena his “second home” for nearly a decade, recently shared his perspective with the union executive. His message?This building is built to last.
“Built in 1958, it is absolutely showing its age, but it was also built very well with solid materials—from the maple hardwood floors on the upper concourse to the craftsmanship on the bleachers, down to the beautiful and unique green terrazzo floor. We have a kick-ass, hard-working team of four full-time staff and a rotating crew who share over 40 years of experience. We take immense pride in this building.”
The Myth of the “End of Life”
The City seems to have the idea that the building is at the end of its functional life. If that were true, why did we just complete major upgrades to the refrigeration plant as recently as Summer 2024?
Our members have seen these investments first-hand. These upgrades have increased efficiency and made the facility safer for both staff and the public. To tear down a building that has just received significant, high-tech mechanical investment isn’t “modernization”, it’s a waste of taxpayer dollars.
Protecting the Spruce Kings and Our Community
Demolishing the Kopar Arena isn’t just a loss of bricks and mortar, it’s a threat to the Prince George Spruce Kings, a team that has called this building home since 1972.
If the Kopar Arena is torn down to make way for a new build, there will be a massive gap in ice availability. Our community’s loyal fans and local ice users will be displaced. As our members have pointed out, there is a very real chance a beloved team could shut its doors forever because of the “transition time” between buildings.
A Pattern of Disrespect and What We Can Learn from the Pool Closures
CUPE 1048 is raising these alarms now because we have seen how the City handles “renewal” projects. When the discussions around the 18th Ave pool closure were ongoing, this union was completely excluded. The City did not consult the Union on the implementation of the project or how staff would be treated. Today, I am fielding regular complaints from staff affected by those decisions. We will not sit idly by while the City repeats these mistakes with the Kopar Arena.
The Union’s Theory?
We suspect that the rush to demolish the Kopar Arena has more to do with the “eyesore” outside of City Hall and the value of the real estate than it does with the quality of the building.
Our position is simple:
- Keep the Kopar Arena: Invest in upgrades and renovations. With its solid materials and our expert maintenance team, this building can thrive for decades more.
- Build Elsewhere: if the City needs a new arena, build it on the many vacant lots downtown. Don’t destroy a piece of our history to make room for it.
- Consult the Workers: We are the ones who understand the safety, the mechanicals, and the community impact. Stop ignoring the people who do the work.
I want to see Prince George grow, but not at the expense of our soul and with disrespect to our wonderful staff and the history that’s in those walls. Let’s protect our history, our taxpayers, and our workers.