RECR 4400
Major Research Paper Assignment

How can Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre enhance access to arena-based recreation for youth in
Burnaby through community partnerships and targeted programming?

Meredith Yu (100299219)
Langara College - RECR 4400
Yue-Ching Cheng & Joanne Edey-Nicoll
March 23th, 2025

Table of Contents
Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Importance of Research Area ................................................................................................................. 4
Operationalizing Key Terms .................................................................................................................. 4
Background and Context............................................................................................................................... 5
About Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre ........................................................................................... 5
Agency Advisor ...................................................................................................................................... 5
About the Researcher ............................................................................................................................. 5
Literature Review.......................................................................................................................................... 6
The Role of Community Partnerships .................................................................................................... 6
The Impact of Targeted Programming ................................................................................................... 7
Ice Sports in Canadian Culture ............................................................................................................... 7
Common Barriers ................................................................................................................................... 8
Gaps in Literature ................................................................................................................................... 8
Older Youth ............................................................................................................................................ 9
Areas of Controversy.............................................................................................................................. 9
Methodology ................................................................................................................................................. 9
Primary Research Plan ........................................................................................................................... 9
Interviews ............................................................................................................................................. 10
Interview Format .................................................................................................................................. 11
Observations ......................................................................................................................................... 11
Observation Details .............................................................................................................................. 12
Content Analysis .................................................................................................................................. 12
Documents Analyzed: .......................................................................................................................... 12
Data Collection & Analysis Method: ................................................................................................... 13
Key Findings from Primary Research .................................................................................................. 14
Limitations and Future Research Needs ............................................................................................... 16
Summary .............................................................................................................................................. 17
Research Findings ....................................................................................................................................... 17
Secondary Research ............................................................................................................................. 17
Primary Research: ................................................................................................................................ 19
Recommendations ....................................................................................................................................... 21
Conclusion .................................................................................................................................................. 23
References (Works Cited) ........................................................................................................................... 25
Appendixes ................................................................................................................................................. 29
Appendix A: Interview Questions & Transcripts ................................................................................. 29
Appendix B: Observation Checklist & Field Notes ............................................................................. 37
Appendix C: Content Analysis Documents & Data ............................................................................. 45

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Executive Summary
This paper explores the challenges and opportunities related to enhancing access to arena-based
recreation for youth in Burnaby, focusing on Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre (RBRC). The research
highlights key barriers, including financial constraints, lack of physical literacy, and challenges faced by
newcomers and diverse populations. The literature and primary research indicate that youth, particularly
from immigrant families and racialized communities, face significant obstacles to participation in ice
sports due to lack of equipment, language barriers, and limited access to information. Additionally,
transportation and the high cost of participation in ice sports were identified as significant obstacles for
families, especially from low-income backgrounds.
A critical finding from the research is the need for physical literacy programs, particularly for
newcomers who may be skating for the first time. Providing basic education, such as how to balance on
ice, fall safely, and select the right equipment would help ease transition into ice sports. RBRC’s unique
position as the only City of Burnaby facility offering extended ice time and two sheets of ice provides
opportunity to foster community partnerships and expand programs.
The paper offers several recommendations to address these barriers The first recommendation is
to implement educational initiatives in partnership with the Burnaby School District, focusing on physical
literacy. A pre-skating education package would help schools prepare students, especially those new to
skating, for a positive experience. The second recommendation is to establish an Equipment Loan and
Exchange program to alleviate financial constraints by allowing families to borrow or exchange
equipment at no or low cost. Third, the introduction of Newcomer and Multicultural Skating Programs
would help integrate immigrant and diverse youth into ice sports by offering beginner-friendly sessions
and culturally sensitive instruction. Finally, the introduction of Girls-Only and Inclusive Ice Sports
Sessions would create safe, supportive environments for underrepresented groups, including youth with
disabilities and LGBTQIA2S+ participants.
This paper emphasizes the importance of developing inclusive, accessible, and educational
programming at RBRC to remove barriers and foster a more diverse, engaged youth community in
Burnaby’s arena-based recreation offerings. RBRC can promote physical literacy, ensure safe and
welcoming spaces for all, and increase youth participation in ice sports across the city by implementing
these strategies.

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Introduction
The Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre (RBRC) is a vital community hub that fosters physical
activity and social engagement. This research explores ways to improve youth access to arena-based
recreation in Burnaby through community partnerships and targeted programming. By identifying key
barriers to participation and proposing strategic solutions such as skating, hockey, ringette. This initiative
aligns with City of Burnaby’s commitment of ensuring safe and welcoming public spaces remain safe,
welcoming and accessible for all residents. (Vision, Values and Guiding Principles | Burnaby 2050:
Planning Our City Together, n.d.).
Importance of Research Area
Increasing participation in recreational activities have been linked to numerous positive
outcomes, including mental health, social development, and physical well being (Witt et al., 2010). As
Burnaby experiences rapid population growth, the demand for accessible recreational spaces continues to
rise (Statistics Canada, 2021). RBRC, as a newly developed facility, has a unique opportunity to address
these needs by identifying and mitigating barriers to participation, particularly for youth and newcomers.
This research contributes to the field of community recreation by exploring how municipal recreation
centers can engage youth in traditionally high-barrier sports through accessible and inclusive
programming (Vision, Values and Guiding Principles | Burnaby 2050: Planning Our City Together, n.d.).
Operationalizing Key Terms
To operationalize the key concepts in the research question:
●

Accessibility: Availability and ease in which youth can participate in arena recreation activities.
Factors include transportation, program availability, and costs.

●

Arena recreation activities: Programs offered by Burnaby Arenas, including drop-in programs,
learn to skate programs, and special events or collaborations.

●
●

Community partnerships: Collaboration with local organizations, community groups, and schools
Targeted programming: Programs specifically designed to attract and engage youth through
participation in the recreational activities offered at the recreation centre.

●

Ice sports: refers to skating, hockey, ringette, skating lessons, and figure skating.

●

Youth refers to individuals ages 12-18: The City of Burnaby defines overall youth as ages 12-25.

●

Older youth refers to individuals ages 19-25. The City of Burnaby defines overall youth as ages
12-25.

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Background and Context
About Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre
The Rosemary Brown Recreation Center (RBRC) is one of Burnaby’s newest recreational
facilities, designed to serve the growing and diverse community of South Burnaby. Named after
Rosemary Brown (1930-2003), a Canadian politician and social justice advocate, the center embodies
values of inclusivity, accessibility and community engagement. (Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre |
City of Burnaby, n.d.). She was the first Black woman elected to provincial legislature in Canada, and
served as a Burnaby MLA from 1979 to 1986.
RBRC was completed in April 2024, and was built to support the recreation needs of Burnaby,
and offers residents more options for community involvement and fitness. The recreation centre
accommodates ice sports, as well as ball hockey, lacrosse, inline hockey, city-run and community events.
It includes two National Hockey League (NHL) size rinks, arena viewing, meeting and multipurpose
rooms, a skate shop, universal gender neutral washrooms, and an outdoor patio.
Agency Advisor
The Agency Advisor sponsoring this project is Samantha Morrison, Programs Coordinator of
Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre. Samantha has over 40 years of experience in the recreation sector,
with significant time spent in North Vancouver in various program coordinator roles. She has worked in
administrative roles related to program and business development within recreation. Samantha’s last
position was as a centre supervisor at Karen Magussen Recreation Centre, North Vancouver. She also has
a background in arenas, both as a player and coach in ringette.
The sponsoring organization for this project is Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre, City of
Burnaby.
About the Researcher
The researcher is in her final year of the Bachelor of Recreation Management program at Langara
College. She has a background in community recreation, working with early years, middle years, and
youth. While she initially focused on broader community programming, her recent transition into arenabased recreation sparked a strong interest in ice sports—an area she did not grow up with.

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This personal experience shaped her research focus. Ice sports historically presented high barriers
to participation for her, inspiring her to explore how arena-based recreation can be made more inclusive
and accessible. Through this study, she seeks to identify strategies that remove these barriers and
encourage broader participation.
Currently, her goal is to support Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre (RBRC) in developing
programs that make ice sports more accessible for diverse communities. This research serves as a
foundation for her work in shaping more inclusive recreation opportunities in Burnaby.

Literature Review
Each piece of literature included in this review provided critical evidence to support the research
question of: How can Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre enhance access to arena-based recreation for
youth in Burnaby through community partnerships and targeted programming? The inclusion of
academic studies, professional field-based resources, statistical databases, newspapers, and magazines
ensured a well-rounded literature review. These sources helped explore best practices for youth
programming, ensuring inclusivity and cultural sensitivity while examining systemic barriers that
influenced which populations benefited the most from existing programs.
Access to arena-based recreation, such as skating, hockey, ringette, skating lessons, and figure
skating, play a crucial role in mental, physical, and social well-being among youth (ages 12-25). Barriers
to youth participation in arena-based recreation have been widely studied, including financial constraints,
accessibility limitations, and lack of inclusive programming (National Teams of Ice Hockey, n.d.). While
existing research has explored some of these challenges, there is a growing need to examine how
community partnerships and targeted programming can enhance accessibility to this age group. While
existing research has explored some of these challenges, there is a growing need to examine how RBRC
can enhance access to arena-based recreation activities for youth in Burnaby through community
partnerships and targeted programming.
The Role of Community Partnerships
Community partnerships played a pivotal role in youth development, particularly given the
increasing concern for the healthy development of youth (Perkins et al., n.d.). Since the mid 1800’s,
reformers had advocated for designated recreational spaces to foster youth development, providing
structured environments to develop social skills, promote well-being, and reduce exposure to negative
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influences (Witt et al., 2010). Reformers recognized the benefits in supporting social skills, moral
development, and group interaction. This movement led cities to hire child development professionals,
which eventually created a demand for recreation professionals to collaborate, organize, and manage
activities for overall wellbeing. Witt et al. (2010) found that this approach enhanced engagement and
retention in recreational activities by creating a supportive environment that encouraged continued
participation.
Ostermeier et al. (2024) suggested that engaging with local organizations, schools, and businesses
increased the reach and effectiveness of sports programs. Many parents in the study highlighted the lack
of resources, and the challenges of traveling to other towns or municipalities to access programs. Service
providers, particularly municipal recreation departments were advised to maximize any available spaces
and increase capacity for additional programs. Community-based interventions were shown to improve
physical activity opportunities by leveraging local resources and support networks.
The Impact of Targeted Programming
Targeted programming was shown to enhance participation in arena-based recreation. Skate
Canada’s Guide to Long-Term Athlete Development Guide highlighted how inclusive skating programs
could remove barriers and promote participation among diverse populations (Cardinal et al., 2010). For
example, initiatives that encouraged partnerships between skating organizations and groups supporting
athletes with disabilities played a crucial role in increasing access. Prior to the implementation of the
development guide’s programming, there had been a decline in both international victories by young
Canadian athletes, and general participation rates. These initiatives not only improved accessibility but
also contributed to personal development and a greater sense of community. Edwards et al. (2021)
highlighted the importance of carefully designed inclusive programming, particularly in supporting
youths with disabilities, and promoting social-emotional well-being. Such programs fostered positive
attitudes toward diversity among all participants. Targeted programming in recreation has been
recognized as a means to deepen commitment and quality of service aimed at accessibility (October 2024
– Parks & Recreation, n.d.).
Ice Sports in Canadian Culture
Arena-based sports played a crucial role in Canadian culture and recreation, with the Canadianborn population being more likely to participate in winter sports such as skating and ice hockey
(Government of Canada, Statistics Canada, 2023). This trend was largely due to early exposure, cultural
traditions, and established community infrastructure that supported these activities. National Teams of Ice
Hockey further supported this, stating that hockey, in particular, was deeply embedded in Canadian

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identity, with many children being introduced to skating at a young age through school programs or
community leagues (National Teams of Ice Hockey, 2024). In comparison, immigrants were more likely
to participate in more accessible sports such as basketball, soccer, or tennis, which required less
specialized equipment and infrastructure. Approximately 83 percent of sports participants in Canada
played recreationally rather than in formal leagues and clubs (Government of Canada, Statistics Canada,
2023). This highlighted the importance of making arena-based recreation more accessible in Burnaby, as
its core values included inclusiveness and opportunity (Burnaby, 2023). Burnaby’s Visions, Values,
Guiding Principles indicated that the city aimed to stay connected together through social bonds, and
create spaces where every individual felt valued and empowered to reach their full potential and
experience a sense of belonging.
Common Barriers
Financial barriers remained one of the most significant obstacles to participation in ice sports. Ice
hockey, in particular, was documented as one of the most expensive sports in Canada (Somerset & Hoare,
2018). One report stated that hockey gear alone could cost over $1,000, which led many families to turn
to cheaper sports, such as basketball and soccer (National Teams of Ice Hockey, 2024). If families chose
to switch from recreational hockey to competitive hockey, the cost to play on a competitive team
(excluding gear) in Canada ranged from $4,000 to $10,000 or more. Additional costs, such as ice fees,
travel expenses, and equipment made organized hockey inaccessible to many families (Westoby, 2013).
Other critical barriers included bullying, politics, conforming to gender stereotypes, lack of resources, and
conformity. The traditional gendering of sports in the world of ice sports, with hockey viewed as
masculine and figure skating as feminine, discouraged youth from participating in these activities,
especially if they felt constrained by societal expectations, serving as another barrier (Westoby, 2013).
Additionally, the scarcity of ice rinks in densely populated urban areas, restricted opportunities for regular
participation (O’Reilly et al., 2023). Research indicated that the limited availability of facilities posed a
substantial barrier, as individuals often had to travel considerable distances to access these venues. These
issues were further amplified by the lack of community-based programming in locations where accessible
opportunities do not exist (Pandya 2021). However, where opportunities did exist, providing flexible
participation opportunities, such as drop-in sessions, helped attract individuals who may not have been
able to commit to regular schedules, thus reducing barriers to entry (Lieberman, n.d.).
Gaps in Literature
While existing research provided valuable insight into accessibility challenges and potential
solutions, there remained a lack of longitudinal studies tracking the long-term impacts of community

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partnerships and targeted programming on arena-based recreation activities. Additionally, previous
studies focused on traditional recreation centres with pools and weight rooms. More data was needed on
strategies to engage older youth ages 18-25, as much of the current literature concentrated on children.
Older Youth
The literature relevant to this research on accessibility for older youth primarily highlighted
factors relating to lack of time, health habits, and types of activities. Life events, such as transitions out of
high school and into post-secondary education were shown to negatively impact lifestyle behaviours and
physical activity (Silva et al., 2022). As youth transitioned into older adolescence, academia and
professional responsibilities consumed much of their time, leaving little room for physical activity. A
study indicated that only 25 percent of older youth between the ages of 17 and 25 actively engaged in
physical activity (Gil-Madrona et al., 2019). This represented a significant decline from higher levels
participation in sports and physical activities typically observed during elementary and high school years.
Areas of Controversy
One area of controversy within the literature revolved around the effectiveness of community
partnerships in addressing the needs of local youth. The Sport and Recreation Integration Project Phase
2A Summary Report highlighted that while recreation programming often led efforts in promoting
physical literacy, there was sometimes a disconnect with grassroots sports organizations (Patel et al.,
2009). The report documented discussions among community coaches, recreation staff, educators, and
sports club administrators, who convened to examine challenges and potential solutions of integrating
sports and recreation effectively through various models and partnerships. However, not all grassroots
organizations fully embraced these collaborative efforts, particularly regarding the alignment of
responsibilities and philosophical approaches.This misalignment sometimes resulted in programs that
failed to fully resonate with the target demographic. An example was differing perspectives on roles and
priorities among organizations hindered effective collaboration. This raised questions about the
sustainability of such partnerships, especially when funding shifted or priorities changed amongst
stakeholders.
Methodology
Primary Research Plan
To further explore the research question of: "How can Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre
enhance access to arena-based recreation for youth in Burnaby through community partnerships and

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targeted programming?”, a combination of interviews, observations, and content analysis was utilized as
primary research methods. These methods helped gather firsthand insights from industry professionals in
arenas, analyze read-world participation, and review existing policies and data to identify gaps and
opportunities for improvement. These data collection strategies ensured a well-rounded investigation to
guide Burnaby stakeholders in enhancing access to arena-based recreation for youth in Burnaby. Each
research method and rationale for its inclusion were listed below.
Interviews
Interviews provided direct insights from recreation professionals with experience in arena-based
programming, operations, community partnerships, and accessibility initiatives. Speaking to individuals
who had previously and were currently working in arenas helped gather data on current challenges, gaps,
and potential solutions. Four interviews were conducted for this research paper:
●

Samantha Morrison - Programs Coordinator, Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre (City of
Burnaby).

●

Arelene Mann - Recreation Centre Supervisor 1, former Arenas Coordinator (City of Burnaby).

●

Kimberly Suhr – Recreation Centre Supervisor 2, Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre (City of
Burnaby).

●

Lora Anderson – Community Service Coordinator, Surrey Sport and Leisure Complex (City of
Surrey).
Samantha, the Programs Coordinator at Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre, was selected for an

interview because of her expansive background in arenas, ice sports, and recreation programming,
spanning 40 years. As the centre’s current coordinator, she provided valuable insight into RBRC’s
programming decisions, challenges, and gaps. Samantha brought invaluable expertise and knowledge to
the facility’s administration, operations, and staff relations, having worked in administrative roles related
to program and business development within recreation. Samantha's last position had been as a centre
supervisor at Karen Magnessen Community Recreation Centre.
Arlene, the current Recreation Centre Supervisor 1, had previously served as the Arenas
Coordinator at Bill Copeland Sports Centre for 15 years. She was selected for an interview to provide
valuable insights on how arena-based recreation in Burnaby had evolved, allowing for a comparison of
past and present practices to identify trends, improvements, and ongoing barriers to youth participation.
Prior to the construction of RBRC, Burnaby had only two arenas, giving her extensive knowledge of
arena operations, programming, and accessibility challenges over time.

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Kimberly, the current Recreation Centre Supervisor 2 at Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre, had
over 30 years of experience in aquatics with the City of Burnaby. She was selected for an interview as she
provided valuable insight into the city's long-term approach to recreation planning, facility development,
and program accessibility, making her a key source for understanding Burnaby’s evolving strategies in
arena-based recreation. Her extensive tenure with the city had given her a deep understanding of
municipal recreation operations, policies, and program development. Kimberly was passionate about
accessibility, inclusion, and making recreation accessible for all.
Lora Anderson, the Community Service Coordinator at Surrey Sport and Leisure Complex,
oversaw ice allocation for all arenas in Surrey. She was selected for this interview to provide a
comparative perspective on how a different municipality approached arena-based recreation. Her insights
allowed for an analysis of best practices in Surrey and how they contrasted with or complemented
Burnaby’s strategies. Interviewing Lora provided an understanding of how another city managed ice
allocation, community partnerships, and targeted programming, offering valuable context for identifying
potential improvements and new approaches for Burnaby’s arena-based recreation.
Interview Format
For a more detailed account of the interviews that were conducted, readers were referred to
Appendix A1. This section contained comprehensive information about the interview procedure,
including the questions asked of the participants. All interviews were conducted via Microsoft Teams or
in-person at the respective recreation facility. Each interview was expected to last 30-45 minutes and was
semi-structured to allow for open discussion. This format ensured consistency across all interviews while
also covering key topics. The questions were designed to gather insightful answers and encompass a wide
range of perspectives. The interview transcripts were available in Appendix A2, where they were
summarized for convenience of reference. These transcripts provided extensive information for further
study and interpretation, shedding light on the ideas, viewpoints, and experiences shared by the
interviewees.
(See Appendix A for the full interview question guide.)
Observations
Observations provided firsthand insight into how youth engaged in arena-based recreation,
identified participation trends, engagement levels, participants (age, gender, group size), and assessed any
barriers to accessibility in real time. Six observations were conducted at Rosemary Brown Recreation

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Centre. A variety of public skates, drop-in programs, learn-to-skate programs, and community partner
events were observed. The six observations were categorized into three types of observations:
●

General Public Observations (public skate and drop-in programs)

●

Special Status Observations (program-specific sessions: skating lessons and learn-to-skate
programs)

●

Community Partner Events (Observing special events or collaborations that involve youth
participation in arena-based recreation)

Observation Details
Appendix B provided further details about the observations, including when and where they took
place. Each observation was conducted with prerequisites and checklist requirements to record levels of
engagement (body language) and behaviors (how participants engaged with staff). These specific
checklist questions were created to determine how accessible and inclusive programs were at RBRC from
a third-party spectator’s perspective. The observations were listed in Appendix B, providing an in-depth
understanding of the dynamics between youth participants, staff, the facility, and members of the public.
(See Appendix B for the full observation checklist.)
Content Analysis
This content analysis examined four key documents to provide insights on how RBRC could
enhance youth access to arena-based recreation through community partnerships and targeted
programming. Each document was selected based on its relevance to accessibility, inclusivity,
participation barriers, and recreation planning. The analysis identified key findings from existing policies,
population trends, and best practices from other municipalities, providing a foundation for understanding
trends and identifying key opportunities for RBRC to enhance access to arena-based recreation. Please
refer to Appendix C for the content checklist and details.
(See Appendix C for the full document checklist and details.)
Documents Analyzed:
1. City of Burnaby Policy Guide: Community Wellbeing – This policy guide outlined the City of
Burnaby’s commitment to ensuring accessible and inclusive community spaces, including
recreational facilities. It provided a framework for understanding how partnerships, land use

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planning, and program development could enhance youth access to these recreational activities.
Since arena-based recreation played a key role in community engagement, analyzing this
document helped align the research findings with Burnaby’s framework for understanding how
partnerships and program development could enhance youth access to recreational activities. This
policy guide was also directly related to the research question by emphasizing the need for
infrastructure that supports social inclusion, physical activity, and equitable access to services.
2. Insights Report, Population Growth Trends in Burnaby - This data helped understand
population growth patterns, including age distribution and geographic concentration of youth,
which aided in identifying current and future demand for recreational programs. Demographic
shifts directly impacted arena-based recreation participation. This data provided insight into
which neighborhoods may have needed targeted outreach or additional community partnerships
to enhance youth participation in arena-based activities. By incorporating this analysis, the
research gained a foundational understanding of Burnaby’s evolving population and how
recreation services could adapt to meet changing needs.
3. Sport for Life for Every New to Canada Participant – This research provided insights into
how sports and recreation programs could be more inclusive for newcomers. Given Burnaby’s
growing and diverse population, this document helped identify best practices for reducing barriers
to participation in arena-based recreation. Analyzing its recommendations allowed for an
assessment of how RBRC could better serve its diverse population in South Burnaby through
targeted programming and partnerships. This source also supported the research question by
emphasizing cultural considerations, accessibility, and community engagement in sports.
4. City of Surrey: Parks, Recreation & Culture Strategic Plan – This strategic plan provided
insight into how another municipality engaged its community in recreation planning. Comparing
Surrey’s approach helped identify best practices, community needs, and successful engagement
strategies that could be applied to RBRC. This document also highlighted how public feedback
had shaped recreation policies and would help assess whether similar community-driven
approaches could help improve accessibility and inclusivity in Burnaby’s arena programming.
Data Collection & Analysis Method:
●

Documents were sourced from the City of Burnaby and City of Surrey’s official website,
academic databases, and Canadian research reports.

●

Key themes, trends, and policies were identified and summarized.

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Key Findings from Primary Research
Interviews: Interviews revealed , two recurring themes: barriers to participation for newcomers to
Canada and the lack of community partnerships in Burnaby’s arenas. According to S. Morrison (personal
communication, March 13, 2025) South Burnaby is highly diverse, with many residents having little to no
experience with winter sports (full interview summaries are available in Appendix A2). One significant
barrier identified was financial constraints, as the cost of participation in drop-in skating and hockey was
higher compared to other activities due to additional gear costs and rentals. Moreover, many newcomer
parents struggled with logistical challenges as they lacked the time to drive their children from school to
the rink, wait for the session to end, and then drive back home. Another critical barrier for supporting
newcomers and minority groups in learning to skate was the concept of physical literacy. Many of these
newcomers may not have had access to ice rinks in their home countries, or participation may have been
prohibitively expensive. This theme aligned with the literature review, where Ostermeier et al. (2024)
suggested that engaging with local organizations, schools, and businesses could enhance the reach and
effectiveness of sports programs. Many parents in the study highlighted the lack of resources available
and the difficulty of traveling to other towns or municipalities to access programs.

Commented [1]: Really good, clear and how the
literature review supports your findings! :) great work

In another interview, A. Mann (personal communication, March 7, 2025) stated that the only
community partnership Burnaby Arenas had worked with in the past was the Canucks Autism Network
(CAN). Through this partnership, arenas would dedicate shared public ice time to CAN to accommodate
the interest in adapted programs and recreational skate times for participants with additional needs. CAN
programs were volunteer-run, further emphasizing the reliance on external support. . A. Mann (personal
communication, March 7, 2025) also noted that community partnerships were not as common in arenas as
they were in community recreation. Typically, organizations would reach out to Burnaby Arenas, rather
than arenas proactively seeking out partnerships. This reactive approach suggested a gap in community
partnerships within Burnaby Arenas, limiting the accessibility and reach of arena-based recreation. This
aligns with the emphasis on the importance of community partnerships in the literature review, as
community partnerships play a pivotal role in youth development, especially given the increasing concern
for the healthy development of youth (Perkins et al., n.d.). Witt et al. (2010) emphasized that this
approach enhances engagement and retention in recreational activities by creating a supportive
environment that encourages continued participation. Ostermeier et al. (2024) also suggested that
engaging with local organizations, schools, and businesses could enhance the reach and effectiveness of
sports programs. These findings highlighted that community partnerships were worth pursuing to enhance
access to arena-based recreation.

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Observations: All observations were conducted at RBRC from the upper lobby balcony, which provided
a full view of parties entering the facility, from the parking lot to the entrance, lobby, skate shop, and rink.
Observations indicated that recreational, low-cost, drop-in programs such as Youth Toonie & Activities
Skate were significantly more accessible compared to structured, organized ice sports. Participants in this
program represented a more diverse demographic, with a noticeable presence of families from various
cultural backgrounds. Many parents appeared to be immigrants, as evidenced by frequent requests for
translation assistance and the use of body language, such as shrugging, to indicate uncertainty when asked
about equipment adjustments, such as resizing helmets. Additionally, the majority of children attending
Youth Toonie & Activities Skate did not have their own equipment and relied on the program’s provided
rentals. This aligned with the affordability of the program, which cost only $2 and included equipment
rentals.
In contrast, participants in organized ice sports occurring simultaneously were predominantly
Caucasian. These participants arrived with personal gear, often embroidered with their names, suggesting
a higher level of financial investment in the sport. Families attending the try-it program had entry-level or
lower-tier equipment. Furthermore, parental engagement varied between the two groups. Parents of Youth
Toonie & Activities Skate participants were highly involved, frequently interacting with staff and seeking
guidance on equipment such as helmets, skates, and hockey sticks. Meanwhile, parents of children in
organized ice sports appeared less engaged, generally observing from a distance rather than actively
assisting their children.
These observations suggested that affordability and accessibility played significant roles in
determining participation in ice sports. Drop-in programs provided an opportunity for a more diverse
range of youth to engage with ice activities, while organized sports presented financial and structural
barriers that limited participation to those with prior exposure and resources. These findings related back
to the literature review, which suggested that youth pursuing recreation opportunities, especially arenabased recreation opportunities, face substantial barriers to participation. Hockey, one of the most wellknown and popular arena sports, introduced an enormous financial barrier for anyone who wanted to try
the sport (Somerset & Hoare, 2018). Similarly, arena-based sports were proven to be a crucial part of
Canadian culture, with the Canadian-born population more likely to have participated in winter sports
such as skating and ice hockey (Government of Canada, Statistics Canada, 2023). In comparison,
immigrants were more likely to have participated in accessible sports such as basketball, soccer, or tennis.
About 83 percent of sports participants played recreationally, outside of leagues and clubs. These findings
further justified the need for enhancing arena-based recreation activities.

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Commented [2]: honestly i thought this section was
really well worded and don't have any major changes

Content Analysis: Content analysis revealed that there was a consistent emphasis on reducing barriers to
participation for specific populations, particularly newcomers and youth- through community
engagement, strategic planning, and accessible information. For Every New to Canada Participant
extensively detailed various barriers faced by newcomers in accessing sport and recreation, such as
language and communication difficulties, lack of information, and organizational challenges (Gosai et al.,
2024). The report further advocated for organizations to make program information easily accessible
through various community channels.
Similarly, the City of Surrey’s PRC Strategic Plan identified inclusion and access as top
community priorities, specifically focusing on reducing barriers for youth and newcomers in recreation
(Surrey Parks, Recreation & Culture, 2017). It also emphasized leveraging strategic partnerships with
schools and community organizations to enhance program delivery. The core finding across all these
documents was the focus on a user-centered approach that prioritized accessibility, actively sought
community input, and fostered strong partnerships.
This theme was also evident in the literature review, where research indicated that the limited
availability of facilities posed a substantial barrier, as individuals may have to travel considerable
distances to access these venues. These issues were further amplified by the lack of community-based
programming in locations where accessible opportunities did not exist (Pandya, 2021). However, where
opportunities existed, providing flexible participation options, such as drop-in sessions, could attract
individuals who may not be able to commit to regular schedules, thus reducing barriers to entry
(Lieberman, n.d.). This also highlighted a potential gap that RBRC could address by adopting best
practices from other municipalities.
Limitations and Future Research Needs
While this study provides valuable insights into arena-based recreation in Burnaby, several
limitations should be considered. The focus on Burnaby’s recreational landscape may have introduced a
localised bias limiting comparisons with other municipalities. To gain a more comprehensive
understanding of how factors such as partnerships, programming, and affordability impact participation
across different regions, an interview with a Community Services Coordinator from the City of Surrey
was conducted.
Additionally, the study lacked access to quantitative participation data, which would be essential
for accessing long-term trends and identifying programming gaps. A significant challenge noted was
obtaining interviews from neighboring municipalities, such as New Westminster, Vancouver, and
16

Coquitlam. Further collection of the City of Burnaby’s Strategic Master Plan in Parks, Recreation, and
Culture is needed to identify additional gaps in enhancing access to arena-based recreation for youth.
Summary
The research identified key barriers to youth participation in arena-based recreation at RBRC,
with a common theme highlighting challenges faced by newcomers to Canada. Interviews and
observations revealed factors such as affordability, logistical challenges, and a lack of physical literacy as
significant obstacles. Low-cost, try-it, drop-in programs like Youth Toonie & Activities attracted a more
diverse group, whereas structured hockey programs were predominantly attended by participants with
prior exposure and financial resources. This aligns with research indicating that hockey remains one of
Canada’s most financially restrictive sports (Somerset & Hoare, 2018).
A lack of proactive partnerships was also identified as a gap. Unlike Surrey, where partnerships
play a key role in recreation planning, Burnaby arenas largely relied on external organizations to initiate
collaboration. Content analysis further emphasized the importance of partnerships in improving
accessibility, as seen in Surrey’s PRC Strategic Plan and the Sport for Life for Every New to Canada
Participant report.
Overall, the research suggested that Burnaby’s arena programming could benefit from targeted
strategies, such as expanding low-cost, drop-in opportunities, improving outreach to immigrant families,
and fostering stronger partnerships with community organizations and schools.

Research Findings
Secondary Research
Finding 1: There was a consistent emphasis on identifying and addressing barriers to participation for
specific populations, particularly newcomers and youth.
A consistent theme in the literature review was that newcomers to Canada face distinct barriers to
sports participation. Research indicated that barriers to participation vary by gender, immigration status,
and racialized group (Government of Canada, Statistics Canada, 2023). Demographic data from a study
on youth served in a low-cost after-school recreation program indicated that immigrant youth were the
largest demographic served (Deschenes et al., 2010). The youth demographic in that study consisted of
49% African American, 27% Latino/Hispanic, 10% Asian, 9% White, 4% mixed race, and less than 1%
17

Indigenous. This finding was further supported by primary research observations conducted on March 11,
2025 (see Appendix B), which similarly indicated that immigrant youth comprised the majority of
participants. Participants in Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre’s (RBRC) Youth Toonie & Activities
program represented a more diverse demographic, with a noticeable presence of families from various
cultural backgrounds. Nearly all participants and their families were people of colour. Many parents
appeared to be immigrants, as evidenced by frequent requests for translation assistance and the use of
body language, such as shrugging, to indicate uncertainty when asked about equipment adjustments, such
as resizing helmets.
For Every New to Canada Participant extensively detailed various barriers faced by newcomers
in accessing sport and recreation, such as language and communication difficulties, lack of information,
and organizational challenges (Gosai et al., 2024). The data indicated that Chinese (40%), Japanese
(35%), Southeast Asian (35%), South Asian (33%), and Black (32%) individuals, along with those
identifying with multiple racial or cultural backgrounds (37%), were more likely to participate in running
than in any other sport. When examined in a recreation context, running had the highest participation rates
among individuals from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds, as it presented the fewest barriers to
participation. The City of Burnaby Policy Guide: Community Wellbeing also highlighted the city’s
commitment to ensuring accessible and inclusive community spaces and opportunities for all (City of
Burnaby Planning & Building Department, 1998). These findings supported the necessity of identifying
and addressing barriers, particularly for newcomers and youth, to enhance accessibility.

Finding 2: Cost is a significant barrier to participating in ice sports.
Financial barriers were a recurring theme in both the literature review and content analysis. These
financial barriers were broken down into smaller subcategories, including time, transportation, and
equipment. Parents in rural areas who commute for work struggled to involve their children in
recreational activities due to limited time availability. One journal stated that multiple parents mentioned
the significant time spent driving children to a different part of the city after a long workday (Pandya,
2021). This finding was further supported by primary research observations conducted on March 11, 2025
(see Appendix B), where nearly all youth figure skaters participating in a youth drop-in skate were
wearing figure skating club jackets with their club municipality embroidered, such as Vancouver,
Coquitlam, Surrey, and Langley. Surrey and Langley are located significantly further from RBRC,

18

making travel between these cities time-consuming, particularly during peak hours. These drop-in
programs take place after school hours, supporting this finding.
Regarding transportation, participants and families were unwilling to travel long distances,
limiting the reach of activities. Pandya (2021) further stated that the lack of resources, such as access to
public transportation, places the burden of transportation solely on parents. While driving is more
convenient, the nearest bus stop to RBRC has limited service compared to other areas of Burnaby, and the
closest SkyTrain station is approximately a 20-minute walk away. This could deter youth from
participating in programs at RBRC.
Additionally, the high cost of equipment is a common barrier, especially for low-income families.
A full set of hockey gear can start at $1000 (National Teams of Ice Hockey, 2024). Obtaining access to
equipment is a barrier in itself. As observed in primary research conducted on March 11, 2025 (see
Appendix B), the vast majority of families attending public skates and drop-in programs were renting
equipment, such as helmets and skates. All participants in the Youth Toonie & Activities program were
borrowing RBRC’s equipment, including hockey and ringette sticks, hockey pucks, and ringette rings.
These findings indicate that cost plays a crucial role in enhancing accessibility to arena-based recreation.

Primary Research:
Finding 1: Lack of Information and Physical Literacy.
Financial barriers were a recurring theme in both the literature review and content analysis, with
key challenges categorized into subcategories such as time, transportation, and equipment costs. These
barriers disproportionately impacted families with limited financial resources, particularly those living in
rural or suburban areas who had to commute for work. One study found that multiple parents cited the
significant time spent driving their children across the city for recreation activities after a long workday as
a major obstacle to participation (Pandya, 2021).
This finding was further supported by primary research observations conducted on March 11,
2025 (see Appendix B), where nearly all youth figure skaters participating in a drop-in skate session were
wearing club jackets embroidered with the names of municipalities such as Vancouver, Coquitlam,
Surrey, and Langley. Surrey and Langley are located at a considerable distance from RBRC, making
travel between these cities time-consuming, particularly during peak hours. Since many arena-based
recreation programs take place after school, transportation challenges significantly impacted participation.
19

As Pandya (2021) further stated, limited access to public transportation placed the burden of travel solely
on parents, further restricting opportunities for youth to engage in ice sports. While driving was often the
most convenient option, RBRC’s accessibility by transit was limited. The nearest bus stop had less
frequent service compared to other areas of Burnaby, and the closest SkyTrain station was approximately
a 20-minute walk away.
In addition to transportation barriers, the high cost of equipment was another significant obstacle
for families, particularly those with lower incomes. A full set of hockey gear could cost upwards of
$1,000 (National Teams of Ice Hockey, 2024), creating a financial burden that prevented many children
from participating in organized ice sports. Access to equipment itself was also a barrier. Primary research
observations conducted on March 11, 2025 (see Appendix B) revealed that the vast majority of families
attending public skates and drop-in programs relied on rented equipment, such as helmets and skates.
Additionally, all participants in the Youth Toonie & Activities program were borrowing RBRC’s
equipment, including hockey and ringette sticks, pucks, and ringette rings. This suggested that without
access to rental or loaned equipment, many youth would have been unable to participate in ice sports at
all.
These findings highlighted a gap in physical literacy and access to information about ice sports
within RBRC’s user demographic. With a large proportion of beginner-level skaters and first-time
participants, there was a clear need for increased education and resources to support newcomers in
developing fundamental skating skills and safely participating in arena-based recreation.

Finding 2: Facility Usage and Programming Opportunities at Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre
Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre (RBRC) presented significant opportunities for facility usage
and potential partnerships, as it was the only municipal ice rink in Burnaby with two sheets of ice. This
additional ice surface allowed for greater programming capacity and scheduling flexibility. It was also the
only municipal rink in Burnaby offering ice availability until June 2025, as the other two rinks were
scheduled to remove their ice in March 2025. The extended season further enhanced RBRC’s potential to
expand its programming and develop community partnerships.
S. Morrison (personal communication, March 13, 2025) highlighted the opportunity to introduce
additional services that catered to a wide range of age groups and community needs. She emphasized the

20

importance of providing arena-based recreation at various times throughout the day, ensuring accessibility
for school-aged children after school, during school programs, and in the evenings and weekends.
A key theme that emerged from this research was the need for more casual and financially
accessible ice sports opportunities. Traditional ice sports, such as hockey and ringette, often required a
significant financial investment, with equipment costs ranging from $1,000 to $7,000. Recognizing this
barrier, S. Morrison (personal communication, March 13, 2025) developed initiatives such as Toonie
Youth & Activities, which allowed participants to engage in informal ice activities, such as shooting
pucks and rings, without requiring full hockey or ringette gear. The low-cost admission fee of $2 made
this program more accessible to youth who might not have the financial means for competitive play.
Another critical finding from this research was the challenge of balancing participation between
players with full gear and those without. S. Morrison (personal communication, March 13, 2025) noted
that when players with complete protective equipment engaged with those who had minimal gear, there
was a disparity in safety and gameplay experience. To address this, she structured programs that allowed
youth to participate in a more casual, inclusive, and recreational setting, fostering a sense of community
and accessibility.
These findings suggested that RBRC’s unique facility features, such as its two sheets of ice and
extended season, enabled greater programming capacity. Additionally, the centre’s efforts to reduce
financial barriers and provide flexible recreational opportunities contributed to a more inclusive and
accessible ice sports environment.

Recommendations
Recommendation 1: Physical Literacy Partnerships with Burnaby School District
Based on the findings, it would be beneficial to implement educational initiatives focused on
developing youth physical literacy specific to skating fundamentals. Skating serves as a gateway to other
ice sports offered at RBRC, including hockey, figure skating, and ringette. Ensuring that children are
equipped with basic skating skills sets them up for success, particularly when schools book field trips to
the rink for skating programs. Given the diversity of South Burnaby’s population, many youth are
experiencing skating for the first time, making structured pre-skate education especially valuable. RBRC

21

could pilot this program with the neighbouring high school next door, and elementary school down the
street as they are close in proximity.
To support this, RBRC could develop a pre-skating education package for schools ahead of their
scheduled skate day. This package would include instructional materials on fundamental skills such as
how to fall safely, get back up, and maintain balance on the ice. Since all three municipal ice rinks in
Burnaby accommodate school bookings, this initiative could be applied across all facilities to ensure
consistency in preparing youth for their skating experience.
Beyond improving skating experiences, this initiative would also provide long-term benefits by
helping youth develop essential balance and movement skills that are applicable beyond the rink. These
foundational skills can contribute to overall safety and confidence in navigating slippery environments,
given Canada’s winter climate and frequent icy conditions. Additionally, this partnership in physical
literacy would complement the Burnaby School District’s physical education curriculum, encourage
youth to explore new activities, and reduce barriers to participation in arena-based recreation.
Recommendation 2: Equipment Loan or Exchange Program
To reduce financial barriers to ice sports in arena-based recreation, RBRC could establish an
Equipment Loan and Exchange program, in partnership with local sport retailers or organizations, such as
Canadian Tire’s Jumpstart and Kidsport. This program would allow youth to borrow basic equipment,
such as skates, helmets, and protective gear for free or at a minimal cost, ensuring accessibility for
families facing financial constraints. A full set of hockey gear can start at $1000 (National Teams of Ice
Hockey, 2024). Ice fees, travelling, equipment, and particularly figure skating outfits quickly add up,
further limiting participation in figure skating (Westoby, 2013). Additionally, a seasonal gear swap could
enable families to trade or donate outgrown equipment. Local hockey associations, sport retailers, and
professional teams could facilitate sponsorships or donations. School booking skating field trips could
also access loaned equipment, ensuring all students can participate regardless of financial background. To
sustain this program, RBRC could seek sponsorships, grants, and municipal funding. This initiative is
also applicable to the other two municipal arenas, and can be altered based on demographic needs.
Recommendation 3: Newcomer and Multicultural Skating Programs
Given the diversity of South Burnaby, RBRC could introduce Newcomer and Multicultural
Skating Programs to introduce and support youth and families experiencing ice sports for the first time.
RBRC could offer introductory skating sessions that incorporate basic physical literacy, teaching

22

fundamental skills like balance, how to fall safely, and getting back up. This youth and parent joint
program would also include equipment education, helping participants how to properly select, size, and
wear helmets, pick out appropriate skates, and tie correctly for safety and comfort. RBRC could
implement this in a dual-program model where youth and parents have the option to participate in
separate but simultaneous skating lessons. This initiative would include a youth skating lesson and an
adult skating lesson occurring at the same time, allowing families to choose between learning together or
separately. By aligning program start and end times, this approach aims to reduce logistical barriers for
parents, making it more convenient for families to engage in arena-based recreation. Implementing
family-oriented skating days, translated instructional materials, and culturally sensitive instructing
accommodating cultural or religious attire would further enhance accessibility. Providing a welcoming
and educational environment would help newcomers and immigrants without prior experience develop
confidence and equip them with essential skills for arena-based recreation.
Recommendation 4: Girls-Only and Inclusive Ice Sports Sessions
To create a more welcoming and accessible environment for underrepresented groups, RBRC
could introduce Girls-Only and Inclusive Sports Sessions. Girls, particularly those from cultural
backgrounds where ice sports and co-ed participation is less common, may feel uncomfortable in
traditional ice sport settings. Additional barriers include bullying, politics, conforming to gender
stereotypes, lack of resources, conformity, and more. In the world of ice sports, the traditional gendering
of sports, with hockey viewed as masculine and figure skating as feminine, may discourage youth from
participating in these activities, especially if they feel constrained by societal expectations, serving as
another barrier (Westoby, 2013). This opportunity could be introduced as a collaborative partnership
between community groups, women’s sports organizations, or purposeful programming with a particular
target audience in mind.
Additionally, inclusive sessions could be designed for youth with disabilities, LGBTQIA2S+
participants, and individuals who require alternative or adaptive program structures. RBRC could offer
girls-only skating, ringette, or hockey sessions, led by female instructors and mentorship to encourage
participation in a supportive and safe space. This initiative could also be adopted into the two other
municipal arenas, and be adjusted depending on the demographic. This would help ensure arena-based
recreation at RBRC and all Burnaby arenas are welcoming and accessible to all, and empower more youth
to engage in arena-based recreation.

23

Conclusion
In conclusion, Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre (RBRC) plays a vital role in providing arenabased recreation for youth in Burnaby, but there are clear opportunities to enhance access through
targeted programming and community partnerships. The research findings highlight key barriers such as
financial constraints, lack of physical literacy, and accessibility challenges for underrepresented groups,
particularly newcomers and youth from diverse cultural backgrounds. Addressing these barriers will
foster a more inclusive and accessible recreational environment for all youth of Burnaby.
Several strategies can be implemented to enhance access. Partnerships with Burnaby School
District could focus on developing physical literacy among youth by providing educational initiatives that
teach skating fundamentals. This would ensure that children are equipped with the necessary skills to to
confidently engage in ice sports, and participate in field trips to the rink. An Equipment Loan and
Exchange Program would help reduce financial barriers, offering youth the opportunity to borrow gear or
trade outgrown equipment, ensuring that cost does not prevent participation.
Furthermore, RBRC could create specialized programs for youth and families, particularly
multicultural and newcomer communities. These programs could provide introductory skate sessions,
equipment education, and culturally sensitive instructions to ensure that all participants feel welcomed
and supported. RBRC could also offer girls-only and inclusive ice sports sessions to create a safer and
more supportive environment for underrepresented groups, encouraging participation and breaking down
cultural and gender barriers in traditionally male-dominated sports like hockey and ringette.
RBRC can significantly improve access to arena-based recreation for youth in Burnaby by
implementing these recommendations . Through targeted programming, community partnerships, and
inclusive practices, RBRC can become a model for enhancing recreational opportunities that are
inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to all youth, regardless of their background or financial means.
These initiatives will not only promote skill development and promote physical activity, but also foster a
sense of community and belonging for youth across Burnaby.

24

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Appendixes
Appendix A: Interview Questions & Transcripts
Appendix A1.
Interview Details
Interview

Organization/Title

Date & Time

Method/
Location

1

Kimberly
Suhr

City of Burnaby, Recreation
Centre Supervisor 2

March 6, 2025, 3:30 pm

In person

2

Arelene
Mann

City of Burnaby, Recreation
Centre Supervisor 1, former
Arenas Coordinator

March 7, 2025, 3:30 pm

Video Call

3

Samantha
Morrison

City of Burnaby , Program
Coordinator

March 13, 2025, 3:30 pm

In person

4

Lora
Anderson

City of Surrey, Community
Service Coordinator

March 13, 2025 5:30 pm

Video Call

Appendix A2
Interview Transcripts
Note: Transcripts were not verbatim of what was directly said in the interviews, but summaries of the
answers provided.
Interview 1
Person: Kimberly Suhr, Recreation Centre Supervisor 2, City of Burnaby
Location/Method: In person, Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre
Date & Time: March 6, 2025, 3:30pm-3:44 pm
1. Please introduce yourself to us and tell me
about your position, what you do in your
organization, and anything else you would
like to share.

Kimberly is the Recreation Center Supervisor 2 at
Rosemary Brown Recreation Center and Arena
Services in Burnaby. She has over 30 years of
experience in aquatics, starting as a lifeguard and
working her way up to various roles. Her
responsibilities include overseeing community
center and arena programs, events, tournaments,

29

and allotments. She’s also involved in recreationrelated construction projects, including the
Burnaby Lake Aquatic and Arena project, and has
managed nearly every major recreation center
except one.
2. Having worked with the City of Burnaby
for 30 years now, can you tell me more
about how the city’s accessibility policies
have changed over the years?

Burnaby has always had strong accessibility
policies, integrating adapted programs into regular
lesson programs. It describes the inclusive
facilities in aquatics, including gurneys, water
wheelchairs, and accessible change rooms. In
arenas, accessibility is more challenging due to the
nature of the ice, but efforts are made to improve
accessibility. Kim mentioned a recent change to
yellow puck boards to accommodate a color-blind
child, demonstrating ongoing efforts to improve
accessibility. An example is in aquatics, where
features like handrails and higher toilet seats were
implemented.

3. Barriers to Participation: What are the
most significant barriers preventing youth
(ages 12-25) from accessing arena-based
recreation in Burnaby?

Identifies social pressures and self-confidence
issues as significant barriers to youth participation
in recreational activities. Noted that it is difficult
to get teenagers involved in sports and community
activities after the age of 12. Added that afterschool youth activities are popular among
teenagers, helping them feel more comfortable and
included. Emphasized the importance of making
community centers welcoming and inclusive for
youth, especially during lunchtime hours.

4. Community Partnerships: How does
your facility currently collaborate with
community partners to enhance
accessibility to arena sports?

In the past: Mentions the Canucks Autism
Network, which provides inclusive programs
alongside regular lessons, reducing logistical
barriers for families. They provide something
arenas cannot—they utilize all their skills to help
these children learn. CAN helps centralize
programs so parents don’t have to go from
location to location just to have their child with
autism take lessons. They can do it all in one
place. These community partnerships are like
extensions of existing services.

5. Coming from an aquatics background,
how do the challenges of accessibility in
arena-based recreation compare to those
in aquatics?

Discusses the importance of cross-sector
partnerships, such as with nonprofits like Aqua Fit
for All, which offers specialized aquatic programs
for visually impaired individuals and stroke
survivors. Partnerships help integrate specialized
services into existing programs, enhancing the
overall offerings of the community centers.

30

Highlights the value of these partnerships in
providing specialized training and services that the
city cannot offer alone.
6. What are some ways that cross-sector
partnerships (e.g., between aquatics and
arenas) could be leveraged to increase
access?

Trying to find associations and community groups
that the city can form partnerships with and figure
out how Burnaby can best integrate them into
what is already existing. These partnerships are
working alongside Burnaby’s no-fee, no-charge
policy. It’s great because they are providing a
level of service that Burnaby has a challenge
providing; it takes specialized training, and the
city is limited with funding. Again, these groups
are extensions of Burnaby’s existing services.
These partnered organizations bring people into
the sport, and Burnaby provides the center, pool,
or facility. It’s a continuum of Burnaby’s services.

Interview 2
Person: Arlene Mann, Recreation Centre Supervisor 1, former Arenas Coordinator, City of Burnaby
Location/Method: Microsoft Teams video call
Date & Time: March 7, 2025, 3:30pm-4:10pm
1. Please introduce yourself to us and tell me
about your position, what you do in your
organization, and anything else you would
like to share.

Is the Recreation Centre Supervisor at Willingdon
Community Center and discussed her role and past
experiences as a Program Coordinator at Bill
Copeland Sports Centre for 14 years. Currently
working in community recreation. She highlighted
barriers for youth aged 12-25 in accessing arenabased recreation, noting a lack of specific teen
programs and the preference for weight room
activities. Mann mentioned challenges in
partnering with community groups and the impact
of ice time availability on program offerings. She
emphasized the importance of understanding
community needs and adapting programs
accordingly, such as the successful adult power
skating program. The conversation also touched
on the potential impact of the new Brentwood
Community Centre on local recreation programs.
Additionally, she highlighted her experience with
various events, including baking trade shows, food
trade shows, antique trade shows, concerts, and
the Judo and hockey tournaments.

2. Barriers to Participation: What are the
most significant barriers preventing youth

She discusses the challenges of engaging youth
ages 12 to 25 in arena-based recreation, noting
that this group often prefers weight room
31

(ages 12-25) from accessing arena-based
recreation in Burnaby?

activities. In her current position, her community
centre primarily serves younger children and some
early 20-year-olds, with a few 14-year-olds using
the room. She highlights the difficulty of engaging
teens due to their age, as they are too old for
summer camps and some arena programs, yet not
old enough for adult programs. Trying to get
youth into volunteering for experience can also be
challenging.

3. Community Partnerships: How does
your facility currently collaborate with
community partners to enhance
accessibility to arena sports?

She compares the program offerings at
Kensington and Copeland, noting that Copeland
ran programs seven days a week, while
Kensington only ran five days a week. Copeland
had more community groups on the weekends,
such as figure skating and minor hockey, while
Kensington did not run programs on the
weekends. She discusses the impact of location on
attendance, noting that Copeland was more
isolated and harder to access by transit, while
Kensington was in a neighborhood with easier
access. Copeland had plans to partner with the
Canucks Autism Network, but the partnership fell
through due to a lack of volunteers. She noted that
the city does not partner with many external
organizations. She also mentioned a brief
partnership with the Burnaby Minor Hockey
Association for minor hockey participants, which
later became a community program due to low
registration. She explains that the success of
partnerships depends on the specific program and
community needs, with some programs being
more successful than others.

4. Targeted Programming: Have you seen
successful targeted programs that
increased youth participation in ice sports
when you worked Arenas? If so, what
strategies were most effective?

She discusses the lack of targeted programs to
increase youth participation in ice sports, noting
that the city does not engage in many partnerships.
She explains that the city's registration numbers
were usually met, and new programs were offered
based on community feedback and needs. She
mentions that the adult power skating program
targeted an audience that wanted more than basic
skating lessons and were looking for something
more specialized. Youth slowly became interested
in this as many adults actually became interested.
She highlights the importance of adopting
programs that adapt to community changes, such
as reducing the number of preschool programs due
to low attendance in community recreation. The
same applies for arenas.

32

5. Inclusivity Efforts: What initiatives or
programs are in place to make arenabased recreation more inclusive for
marginalized or underrepresented youth?

She highlights the importance of understanding
the community's needs and adapting programs
accordingly, as well as building relationships with
clients. There's a huge emphasis on relationship
building in arenas because there are so many
individual clients compared to a traditional
community recreation center. Arenas is its own
beast to tackle.

6. From your past experience as an Arenas
Coordinator, what challenges did you face
in increasing youth participation?

She discusses the differences between community
centers and arenas, noting that community centers
focus more on building relationships and offering
a variety of programs. She mentions that
Willingdon Community Centre is more about
programs, while arenas focus on more community
groups and specific sports. She highlights the
importance of adopting programs to meet the
community's changing needs, such as reducing the
number of programs due to low attendance. She
notes that the success of programs depends on
community feedback and the ability to offer
relevant and engaging activities.

7. What strategies have been most effective
in keeping older youth (18-25) engaged in
arena-based recreation?

She noted that the success of programs depends on
the community's feedback, the ability to offer
relevant and engaging activities, and the
availability of ice time. Many groups compete for
prime ice time, which affects programming.
Careful planning is needed around the timing of
programs to align with youth schedules and other
activities.

Interview 3
Person: Samantha Morrison, Program Coordinator, City of Burnaby
Location/Method: In person, Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre
Date & Time: March 13, 2025, 3:30pm-4:11pm
1. Please introduce yourself to us and tell me
about your position, what you do in your
organization, and anything else you would
like to share.

Introduced herself as the Program Coordinator at
Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre, where she
supervises arena and fitness services. With over
40 years of experience in the recreation sector, she
has spent significant time in North Vancouver and
held various program coordinator roles. She has
also worked in administrative roles related to
program and business development within
recreation. Her last position was as a Centre
Supervisor at Karen Magnussen Recreation Centre
in North Vancouver.
33

2. Current Programs & Access: What
current programs does your facility offer
to support youth participation in arenabased recreation?

The facility offers a comprehensive large-scale
program for all ages, including adults and seniors.
It provides drop-in skating sessions, low-cost "Try
It" programs for youth, and low-cost figure
skating sessions for different age groups. There
are also youth-dedicated nights for certain
programs. The facility includes pickleball,
lacrosse, and various drop-in sports. A special
Friday night skate is available for just two dollars,
where participants can play with toys and
equipment.

3. Barriers to Participation: What are the
most significant barriers preventing youth
(ages 12-25) from accessing arena-based
recreation in Burnaby

The community of Burnaby is highly diverse, with
many residents lacking experience with winter
sports. Financial assistance programs are available
to help provide access to services and registered
recreation programs. However, the cost of
participating in drop-in skating is higher compared
to other activities due to additional gear rental
costs. The facility offers a robust financial
assistance program to support low-income
families in accessing recreation services. They
have faced challenges with participants wearing
different hairstyles and religious headwear, which
can affect their ability to wear helmets. Efforts are
underway to find solutions that accommodate
these participants and ensure a positive
experience. Additionally, they are looking to
create programs for schools to help develop
physical literacy skills before participants engage
in skating activities.

4. Community Partnerships: How does
your facility currently collaborate with
community partners to enhance
accessibility to arena sports?

The facility has not yet done extensive outreach
but has collaborated with Sport Ability to offer
sledge hockey opportunities. They have also
worked with an organization advocating for
families with members with disabilities to provide
skating lessons. The facility is open to further
collaborations to enhance accessibility to sports.
Outreach efforts include offering Toonie Skates at
lunchtime, providing a low-cost option for youth
from Byrne Creek Secondary School to access
skating.

5. Targeted Programming: Have you seen
successful targeted programs that
increased youth participation in ice
sports? If so, what strategies were most
effective?

The low-cost "Try It" Youth Toonie & Activities
Skate attracts many youth after school. It is
supervised by staff, allowing parents to watch
from the sidelines. For many youth, it's their first
experience with ice sports equipment. The timing
of programs is important to consider, especially

34

for parents who need to transport their kids to
RBRC. Programs are more successful when they
are scheduled in a way that allows youth to
participate in multiple activities with their friends
and family, often back-to-back.
6. Inclusivity Efforts: What initiatives or
programs are in place to make arenabased recreation more inclusive for
marginalized or underrepresented youth?

The facility is dedicated to offering diverse
opportunities for all ages and backgrounds,
especially marginalized or underrepresented
youth. Burnaby’s FairPlay financial assistance
program ensures recreation is accessible to
everyone. The facility is inclusive, featuring high
contrast for blind hockey players and genderneutral bathrooms. Adapted skate lessons are
available for people with disabilities, and they are
working on providing more inclusive equipment
options. The facility is committed to being
welcoming for participants from various cultural
and religious backgrounds and is training staff to
support individuals with diverse needs. Inclusive
programs and activities are being developed to
engage a wide range of participants, and there are
efforts to provide more summer activities for
different populations.

7. What role does programming at Rosemary The facility offers various programs to engage
youth, including school skates, public skates, and
Brown Arena play in engaging youth?
sport drop-ins. They are considering expanding
skate activities and offering a "never skated
before" class for new participants. The facility
plans to increase participation in their Toonie
Skate program and align it with other facility
schedules. Additionally, they are looking to
provide more ice activities during the summer to
attract a different population.
8. Are there any upcoming plans to expand
or modify programming to better serve
youth?

The facility plans to expand skate activities and
offer more inclusive programs in the future. They
are considering providing more ice activities
during the summer to attract a different
population. The facility aims to increase
participation in their Toonie Skate program and
align it with other facility schedules and programs.
They are also looking into offering a one-time
introduction class for new participants.

Interview 4
Person: Lora Anderson, Community Service Coordinator, City of Surrey
Location/Method: Zoom video call
35

Date & Time: March 13, 2025, 5:30pm-6:01pm
1. Please introduce yourself to us and tell me
about your position, what you do in your
organization, and anything else you would
like to share.

Community Service Coordinator for Ice
Allocations with the City of Surrey, discussed
youth programming at their facilities. Programs
include youth figure skating, stick and puck, youth
fun hockey, high school hockey leagues, and
school bookings. Challenges include a lack of
programming for the 18-19 age group and youth
reluctance to participate. Successful partnerships
include the Community Schools Partnership with
RCMP, Canucks, and UBC Thunderbirds, and
Heroes Hockey for autism and adaptive skating.
Anderson also highlighted the need for more
primetime ice and the challenges of balancing
program demands with limited ice availability.

2. Current Programs & Access: What
current programs does your facility offer
to support youth participation in arenabased recreation?

The facility is making efforts to partner with local
recreation centers and schools to improve youth
engagement, including initiatives like the high
school hockey league and school bookings. The
Community Schools Partnership program, which
collaborates with the Surrey school board, RCMP,
Canucks, and UBC Thunderbirds, is highlighted
as a successful initiative for female youth.
Partnerships with organizations like Heroes
Hockey, Canucks Autism, and Sportability
provide specialized programs for youth with
different needs. Additionally, adapted skating
lessons for youth are offered, with support from
various community partners like Healthy
Communities and Asian Community Living.

3. Barriers to Participation: What are the
most significant barriers preventing youth
(ages 12-25) from accessing arena-based
recreation in Surrey?

Youth typically only show up to programs when
their friends attend; if one person doesn't go, the
rest often follow. It's challenging to program
desirable activities when there's limited prime ice
time available. There’s also a "dead zone" in
programming, where many programs are available
up to age 18, but then there’s a gap for those 19+,
creating an awkward divide. While not necessarily
called partnerships, these groups are treated as
extensions of existing programs.

4. Community Partnerships: How does
your facility currently collaborate with
community partners to enhance
accessibility to arena sports?

The facility is working on school bookings and
collaborating with youth workers to encourage
kids to attend skates after their school drop-ins.
There's also collaboration with Healthy
Communities where possible, as well as
partnerships with outside accessibility
organizations, similar to the efforts discussed in

36

question 2.
5. Targeted Programming: Have you seen
successful targeted programs that
increased youth participation in ice
sports? If so, what strategies were most
effective?

While targeted programs for specific groups aren't
always successful, the key is providing any
positive engagement for youth. High school
hockey leagues and school bookings have been the
most successful due to their measurable results.
There's an issue with a "dead zone" in
programming, where many programs end at age
18 and then jump to 19+, creating an awkward
gap. Limited ice time makes it challenging to find
the necessary partnerships, as there's not much
prime time available. All groups and allotments
are competing for that prime time.

6. Inclusivity Efforts: What initiatives or
programs are in place to make arenabased recreation more inclusive for
marginalized or underrepresented youth?

Healthy Communities, a branch of recreation in
Surrey, plays a key role in partnerships and
inclusive efforts. All partnerships go through
them, and they help with implementing inclusive
and adapted programs. However, a challenge
arises when there’s demand for certain programs,
but low attendance when the programs are actually
offered.

7. How does the City of Surrey approach
community partnerships to improve arena
recreation access?

Wouldn’t necessarily call it partnerships, but these
groups are treated as extensions of programs.

8. Have you seen successful strategies that
could be applied in Burnaby?

Having an entire department (Healthy
Communities) dedicated to accessibility in
recreation is extremely helpful as they take care of
the nity gritty details. Expedites the process, and
more patrons get access quicker.

Appendix B: Observation Checklist & Field Notes
Appendix B1
Observations Details
Type

Program

What was being Observed Date & Time

General
Public

Youth Toonie Who is participating,
& Activities
visible barriers,

March 6, 2025, 3:15pm4:45pm

Location
Rosemary
Brown

37

Observation

Teen & Adult engagement levels,
Skate
equipment usage, overall
accessibility for
participants.
Public Skate

March 6, 2025, 7:308:45pm

Teen Toonie
Skate

March 11, 2025, 7pm9:30pm

Recreation
Centre

March 11, 2025, 6pm8:15pm

Special
Status
Observation

Skating
Lessons

Who is participating,
visible barriers,
engagement levels,
equipment usage, overall
accessibility for
participants.

March 5, 2025, 3:30pm6pm

Rosemary
Brown
Recreation
Centre

Community
Partner
Events

Para Hockey
Try It

Who is participating,
visible barriers,
engagement levels,
equipment usage, overall
accessibility for
participants.

February 27, 2025:
4:30pm-5:30pm

Rosemary
Brown
Recreation
Centre

Appendix B2
Observations Checklist & Findings
Checklist Details:
●

Who is participating? (Age, gender, group size)

●

Are there any visible barriers present?
○

Are there signs that financial barriers might be present (e.g., families sharing equipment,
hesitancy about rental fees, wearing non-standard gear like bike helmets)?

○

Do any families appear unsure or confused about the registration, rental, or participation
process?

○

Are language barriers present? Do any participants seem to struggle with instructions, or
do they require assistance from staff or family members?

●

Engagement levels.

38

○

Are participants actively engaged in the activities, or are they hesitant/observing from the
sidelines?

○

What is the body language of participants? Do they appear excited, unsure, or
uninterested?

○

Are parents/guardians staying nearby to support their child, or are they leaving them to
participate independently?

●

Equipment usage.
○

How many participants bring their own equipment compared to those using rentals or
borrowed items?

●

Family Involvement & Ice Sport Literacy.
○

Do families appear to understand how to properly fit and adjust helmets, skates, and other
equipment?

○

Are there visible signs that families are struggling with ice sport literacy (e.g., incorrect
helmet use, difficulty tying skates, uncertainty about how to hold/use a hockey stick)?

○

Do kids appear comfortable using their equipment from the start, or do they struggle with
basic tasks like standing on skates, handling sticks, or moving on the ice?

Observation 1: Para Hockey Try It, Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre, February 27, 2025
Who is participating?

●

Half of participants (the rest were adults)
were young youth, and looked either
below age 10, or from the range of age
12-15

Are there any visible barriers present?

●

Financial barriers did not seem present as
this was a try-it event with all equipment
provided, free of cost
The event was pre-registration so there
was little confusion. Families were
directed to go to the event booth where
event staff took care of each family
Language barriers did not seem present.
Most families attending looked like they
could converse with event staff at a
conversational level. A few shrugs or
eyebrow raises, but staff took time to
explain everything

●

●

Engagement levels.

●
●

Youth were fully engaged with
instructors, talking and laughing with
them
Lot’s of smiling, shouting, and laughing.
Seemed very concentrated yet amused
39

●

Most guardians were watching from the
sidelines and by the sliding doors.A few
went to sit at the Cafe and were on
personal devices.

Equipment usage.

●

Event staff personally helped size and
pick out proper equipment for each
participant. All equipment were rentals
and free of charge

Family Involvement & Ice Sport Literacy.

●

Families did not have to be involved as
the event staff were personally helping
each youth with the equipment.
Half of the families stood by to watch.
Noticed that event staff were speaking in
very simple sentences to these families to
help them understand what they were
doing.

●

Observation 2: Skating Lessons, Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre, March 4, 2025
Who is participating?

●
●

Are there any visible barriers present?

●
●

●

●

Engagement levels.

●
●
●
●

Diverse group of male and female
participants. About 50/50
Wide age range of youth
A few families had their older children
translate
Most families seemed to understand the
basic process of waiting with their child
by the entrance and lining up in their
designated class spot
Some parents would sit in the players
benches despite there being a sign that
said sitting in players benches was not
allowed for safety reasons
There were maybe one or two youths
whose first language is not English, but
the extra instructor spent more time with
them to go over instructions and skills.
Youth were fully engaged, smiles and
laughter
Actively participating and mimicking
instructor’s movements
Participants seemed eager to get their
instructor's attention.
Each lesson set has an extra instructor
floating around to each class to assist any
participants who require additional

40

●

Equipment usage.

●
●
●
●

Family Involvement & Ice Sport Literacy.

●
●
●
●
●
●

●

support.
This extra will interact with the instructor
for more details on who needs help or
what skills need development, and will go
to the participant to help without
disturbing the rest of the class.
Most families (90%) are using rentals
from the skate shop
Small number bring their own helmet, but
will rent skates
Have only seen 2 participants bring their
own full gear of helmet and skates
Some parents ask skate shop if they can
borrow gloves
Most of the children are wearing gloves
Majority wear ski pants
Some wear ski gloves
Some wear thin mittens
Handful of parents unsure of how to
properly adjust their child’s helmets, and
how to tie skates properly
Some parents would tie their kids’ laces
around the ankles which is not
recommended because of ankle mobility
safety
Children would walk over cement areas of
rink (which is prohibited). Staff would try
to explain to parents, but
parents/guardians would shrug their
shoulders and apologize, and speak in
another language which indicated they do
not understand. Language barrier present

Observation 3: Youth Toonie & Activities, Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre, March 6, 2025
Who is participating?

●
●
●
●

Are there any visible barriers present?

●

●

Very diverse array of youth
Smaller amount of high school youth
Mostly made up of youth from elementary
school
40% female, 60% male ratio
Same participants try to sneak on the ice
without helmet (for context, this program
requires ALL to wear helmets because
there is hockey happening on the other
half of the rink)
Some parents are confused on how to size

41

their helmets properly for their kids
Engagement levels

●

●

Equipment usage.

●
●

Family Involvement & Ice Sport Literacy.

●
●
●

●

The youth playing hockey/ringette with
the staff are actively engaged, smiling,
laughing, cheering, and chasing the puck
away from staff
The youth on the other end of the rink are
interacting amongst themselves, also
smiling and laughing
Youth are interacting with the toys
available on the ice
Some brought their own hockey sticks,
but were denied because the program only
allows the plastic hockey sticks and pucks
for safety, rather than using official game
equipment which can do more damage
Noticed many youth’s helmets were
improperly fitted
Most youth’s skates were improperly tied
Some parents would tie their kids’ laces
around the ankles which is not
recommended because of ankle mobility
safety
Children would walk over cement areas of
the rink (which is prohibited). Staff would
try to explain to parents, but
parents/guardians would shrug their
shoulders and apologize, and speak in
another language which indicated they do
not understand. Language barrier present

Observation 4: Teen & Adult Skate, Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre, March 6, 2025
Who is participating?

●
●
●
●
●
●

Are there any visible barriers present?

●

About 30 total participants, and half look
like older youth.
Have not seen any younger youth (high
school)
Most older youth look in the range of 1925
More male to females, about 70% to 30%
Teens are coming in pairs minimum. Did
not see any come in alone.
The biggest group seen was of 6, mixed
genders.
Some adults have brought bike helmets in.
Bike helmets are not allowed, but since

42

●

they are over the age of 12 where you can
opt out of wearing a helmet, technically
you could wear anything on your head
Skaters did not require further assistance
from staff other besides direction change

Engagement levels.

●
●
●
●

Not many large groups
Mostly pairs of friends
Skaters keep to themselves
Biggest group seen is 5-6, but split off
here and there

Equipment usage.

●
●

Not a lot of people using skating aids
Youth tend to opt out of using a helmet
even though they are clearly beginners/not
familiar with skating despite being
recommended by staff to wear helmets

Family Involvement & Ice Sport Literacy.

●

Did not see anyone ask staff for help with
laces. Could tell many of the teen’s skates
were improperly tied and too loose

Observation 5: Teen Toonie Skate, Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre, March 11, 2025
Who is participating?

●
●
●
●
●

Are there any visible barriers present?

●

●
Engagement levels.

●
●

Mostly high school students
A few younger figure skaters that come to
the rink very often that i have seen from
previous observations
Diverse groups, 50/50 split male and
female
Female groups tend to stay together
Figureskaters are wearing figureskating
jackets with their figure skating club
embroidered with different municipalities
on them, such as Surrey, Vancouver,
Coquitlam, and Langley
Seems like teens either walked or took
public transit (which was vastly most).
They were holding transit passes in their
hands, and could be seen walking towards
the block of the facility from the balcony
where I was standing (was not directly
dropped off my car)
Only a few entered with parents
Teens are coming in pairs minimum. Did
not see any come in alone.
The biggest group seen was of 6, mixed

43

●

Equipment usage.

●
●
●
●

Family Involvement & Ice Sport Literacy.

●
●

genders.
Teens were laughing, goofing off with one
another, pushing each other on skate aids,
and some were holding hands
Large majority used rental skates
Only one participant brought their own
skates, no helmets
Most youth who had the option of wearing
a helmet opted out of wearing one
Noticed that 90% of teens had improperly
tied skates (too loose at the ankles).
Only a few parents/guardians present,
sitting in the lobby area by the cafe, not
watching
Only one teen asked for help to tie
shoelaces. Teens will only ask for help if a
staff offers to help

Observation 6: Public Skate, Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre, March 11, 2025
Who is participating?

●
●
●
●

Are there any visible barriers present?

●
●

Engagement levels.

●

●
●
●

Small number of youth (approximately
12) out of 40 skaters
Mostly young youth, a few teens
Handful of older youth
Figureskaters are wearing figureskating
jackets with their figure skating club
embroidered with different municipalities
on them, such as Surrey, Vancouver,
Coquitlam, and Langley
RBRC is not very transit accessible, so
most youth are taking public transit, or
walking
Not as many youth come to public skate
compared to Youth Toonie (full price plus
rental versus $2 which covers admission
and rental).
Most skaters are groups of young families,
couples, pairs and groups of high school
and older youth, interacting with one
another in their own group
Handful of youth figure skaters come to
practice figure skating in the middle of the
rink
Most youth are social skating
Youth are smiling and laughing

44

●
●

Equipment usage.

●

●
●
Family Involvement & Ice Sport Literacy.

●
●
●
●
●

●

Usually keep to themselves, especially if
it is crowded or if the skate is mostly
children and adults
Only the regular youth who come to the
rink, such as the figure skaters will
interact with the staff. Otherwise, staff do
not interact with the teenagers or older
youth
Handful of youth are in the coned off area
to practice their skills (clearly beginners
or have never skated), and using skating
aids
The majority of skaters are using rental
skates.
Some will ask to borrow gloves/mittens
Families of all different backgrounds are
present
Handful of them ask skate shop staff on
which skates are “better”
Families ask help on tying laces
Youth typically shy away from asking for
help when tying laces. Only a few will ask
Some parents would tie their kids’ laces
around the ankles which is not
recommended because of ankle mobility
safety
Children would walk over cement areas of
the rink (which is prohibited). Staff would
try to explain to parents, but
parents/guardians would shrug their
shoulders and apologize, and speak in
another language which indicated they do
not understand. Language barrier present

Appendix C: Content Analysis Documents & Data
Appendix C1.
Documents Analyzed
Name of Document

Creator/ Author

Date Published

Document Found

45

1

2

Official Community

City of Burnaby Official June 15, 1998,

Plan for Burnaby, British Community Plan

updated September

City of Burnaby

Columbia

11, 2023

website

Insights Report,

City of Burnaby Official July, 2022

Public document on

Population Growth

Community Plan

City of Burnaby

Trends in Burnaby
3

4

Public document on

Sport for Life for Every

website
January 2018,

Public document on

New to Canada

updated August

Sport for Life

Participant

2024

website

2018

Public document on

Parks, Recreation &

Sport for Life

City of Surrey

Culture Strategic Plan

City of Surrey
website

Appendix C2.
Document Checklist
Category

Questions to Consider

Document Information

What is the purpose of this
document?

Relevance to Research Question

How does this document relate
to improving youth access to
arena-based recreation?

Findings

Does it provide policies,
statistics, best practices, or
strategies that align with my
research focus?
Key Themes & Findings

What key themes emerge from
this document? (e.g.,
accessibility, affordability,
partnerships, programming)
Are there specific
recommendations or strategies
that could be applied to RBRC?

46

Equity & Inclusion

Does the document address
barriers to participation for
youth, newcomers, or
marginalized groups?
Are there any mentions of
cultural considerations or
diversity in recreational
programming?

Community Partnerships &
Engagement

Does the document discuss
partnerships with organizations,
schools, or community groups?
How does it suggest engaging
with the community to enhance
participation?

Comparative Insights

Does the document provide an
example from another city or
organization that could be
adapted for Burnaby?

Data & Evidence

Does the document contain
statistical data, survey results, or
case studies?

Implications for Research

How does this document
support, contradict, or expand
my research findings?
What specific ideas or strategies
from this document could be
applied to RBRC?

Document 1: Official Community Plan for Burnaby, British Columbia
Category

Questions to Consider

Document Information

What is the purpose of this
document?

Findings
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Will guide Burnaby’s
development and meet
its anticipated needs
over the next decade and
beyond
Provides guidance for
community
development, assessing
proposals for chance,
decision making
Aims to ensure Burnaby

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is a desirable place to
live, work, invest
Relevance to Research Question

How does this document relate
to improving youth access to
arena-based recreation?

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Key Themes & Findings

Does it provide policies,
statistics, best practices, or
strategies that align with my
research focus?

●

What key themes emerge from
this document? (e.g.,
accessibility, affordability,
partnerships, programming)

●

Are there specific
recommendations or strategies
that could be applied to RBRC?

●

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●

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Equity & Inclusion

Does the document address
barriers to participation for
youth, newcomers, or

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Goal for Recreation and
Cultural Facilities:
provide Burnaby
citizens with access to a
balanced range of
recreation and cultural
services, facilities and
programs to meet
community needs
Doesn’t specifically
mention arenas, but does
emphasize meeting
needs the youth age
range
Includes existing &
proposed recreation
facilities
Suggests arena facilities
is likely to be considered
within broader planning
context for recreational
needs
Community well-being
& livability
High quality community
services &facilities
Accessibility &
inclusion
Conducting needs and
preference surveys
Consider population and
demographic projections
at neighbourhood level
Fostering community
use of public facilities,
including partnerships
with school district
Emphasis on required
facilities match rate of
future growth
Emphasis on
accessibility & inclusion
of all services and

48

marginalized groups?

●

Community Partnerships &
Engagement

facilities regardless of
physical, economic,
social, or cultural
characteristics
Projects growth in
diversity and complexity

Are there any mentions of
cultural considerations or
diversity in recreational
programming?

●

Doesn’t explicitly focus
on recreation for
marginalized groups, but
overarching theme is
accessibility and
recognition of increasing
diversity

Does the document discuss
partnerships with organizations,
schools, or community groups?

●

Specifically mentions
working with Burnaby
School district towards
better utilization of
existing indoor&outdoor
facilities to maximize
opportunities for all
Highlights community
involvement & past
engagement processes

●

How does it suggest engaging
with the community to enhance
participation?

●

Social Planning section
advocates for
cooperation in the
planning for services,
programs, facilities,
involving appropriate
agencies, groups,
individuals

Comparative Insights

Does the document provide an
example from another city or
organization that could be
adapted for Burnaby?

NA

Data & Evidence

Does the document contain
statistical data, survey results, or
case studies?

●

A needs and preferences
survey was completed in
1997 to update the Parks
and Recreation Master
Plan

Implications for Research

How does this document
support, contradict, or expand
my research findings?

●

Supports research by
focusing improving
youth access to
recreation by
emphasizing needs
49

assessment though
surveys
What specific ideas or strategies
from this document could be
applied to RBRC?

●
●

Public consultations
Refer to existing
framework in Burnaby:
Youth Services Model

Document 2: Insights Report, Population Growth Trends in Burnaby
Category

Questions to Consider

Document Information

What is the purpose of this
document?

●

Provide insights into
population growth
trends in Burnaby

Relevance to Research Question

How does this document relate
to improving youth access to
arena-based recreation?

●

Not specific to arenas,
but provides overall
statistical data on
population changes,
such as overall growth,
where population has
settled, and
demographic context

Does it provide policies,
statistics, best practices, or
strategies that align with my
research focus?

●

Relevant to
understanding potential
demand for youth
recreation facilities like
arenas in different
neighbourhoods

What key themes emerge from
this document? (e.g.,
accessibility, affordability,
partnerships, programming)

●
●

Population growth
Services & amenities for
families with children

Are there specific
recommendations or strategies
that could be applied to RBRC?

●

Not specific to RBRC,
but emphasis on
understanding
population change &
considering needs of
different demographics

Does the document address
barriers to participation for
youth, newcomers, or
marginalized groups?

●

Does not explicitly
address, but data
suggests shifting
population
demographics which
may affect equity &

Key Themes & Findings

Equity & Inclusion

Findings

50

inclusion considerations
for future planning
Are there any mentions of
cultural considerations or
diversity in recreational
programming?

●

NA

Does the document discuss
partnerships with organizations,
schools, or community groups?

●

NA

How does it suggest engaging
with the community to enhance
participation?

●

NA

Comparative Insights

Does the document provide an
example from another city or
organization that could be
adapted for Burnaby?

●

NA

Data & Evidence

Does the document contain
statistical data, survey results, or
case studies?

●

Heavy on statistical data
related to Burnaby’s
population

Implications for Research

How does this document
support, contradict, or expand
my research findings?

●

While total population is
increasing, the needs
and distribution of the
youth population might
be changing
Highlights the
importance of
understanding where the
youth population is
currently located and
where future growth is
anticipated when
planning for facilities
like RBRC

Community Partnerships &
Engagement

●

What specific ideas or strategies
from this document could be
applied to RBRC?

●

Emphasis on how
Burnaby can
accommodate to
families with children
and providing
recreation/amenities for
them can help RBRC’s
long term planning to
accommodate future
needs

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Document 3: Sport for Life for Every New to Canada Participant
Category

Questions to Consider

Document Information

What is the purpose of this
document?

Findings
●

●

Relevance to Research Question

How does this document relate
to improving youth access to
arena-based recreation?

●

●

Does it provide policies,
statistics, best practices, or
strategies that align with my
research focus?

●

●

Key Themes & Findings

What key themes emerge from
this document? (e.g.,
accessibility, affordability,
partnerships, programming)

●
●

Provides resource for
sport and physical
activity organizations to
become familiar and
empathetic to unique
circumstances that
prevent newcomers to
Canada from fully
participating
Identifies barriers,
highlights solutions,
opportunities, and
practices
Highly relevant to
improving youth access
to arena-based
recreation
Goes into depth of
barriers to participation,
such as financial
constraints,
transportation issues,
unfamiliarity with sport
(canadian sports like
hockey), language
difficulty, perceptions of
certain sports
Provides solutions,
opportunities, and
practices that can be
implemented to be more
inclusive
Financial support
programs, assistance
with transportation,
introductory programs
and workshops to
familiarize newcomers
with sports such as
hockey
Identifying &
overcoming barriers to
participation
Creating welcoming &

52

●
●
●
Are there specific
recommendations or strategies
that could be applied to RBRC?

●
●
●
●

Equity & Inclusion

Does the document address
barriers to participation for
youth, newcomers, or
marginalized groups?

●
●
●

Community Partnerships &
Engagement

Comparative Insights

supportive environment
Partnerships
Accessible information
Cultural sensitivity and
anti-racism efforts
Introductory programs
“Learn-to” programs
Ensure information is
available in multiple
languages
Educating
coaches/instructors on
cultural diversity
Emphasis on importance
of welcoming diversity
and uniqueness
Cultural differences and
humility training for
leaders
Address barriers faced

Are there any mentions of
cultural considerations or
diversity in recreational
programming?

●
●

Does the document discuss
partnerships with organizations,
schools, or community groups?

●

Strong emphasis on
importance of
partnerships

How does it suggest engaging
with the community to enhance
participation?

●

Includes suggestions
such as school districts,
immigrant agencies,
social workers to
connect newcomers to
resources, community
organizations to use
their buses for
transportation

Does the document provide an
example from another city or
organization that could be
adapted for Burnaby?

●

Provides many
promising practices
from various cities and
organizations across
Canada
Examples include
equipment banks like

●

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Zero tolerance policies
Proactive recruitment of
diverse talent
Understand cultural
gender differences that
may affect participation

53

●

●

the Calgary Flames
Sports Bank
Free transit passes for
refugees offered in
Ottawa, Halifax, and
Guelph
“Learn-to” programs
like those offered by
Toronto Lighting
Lacrosse

Data & Evidence

Does the document contain
statistical data, survey results, or
case studies?

●

Includes many surveys
and statistical data. Such
as the “Playing Together
- new citizens, sports &
belonging report (ICC,
2014), which surveyed
over 4,000 new citizens
and identified several
barriers to sport
participation

Implications for Research

How does this document
support, contradict, or expand
my research findings?

●

Provides comprehensive
framework for
understanding barriers
of participation for
newcomers, and offers
wealth of specific,
actionable strategies,
and promising practices,
such as transportation
solutions, introductory
programs tailored to
newcomers’
unfamiliarity with
Canadian sports

What specific ideas or strategies
from this document could be
applied to RBRC?

●

Examples of successful
programs in other
Canadian cities
The “Quality Sport
Checklist” is a valuable
tool for assessing and
improving inclusiveness
of programs

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Document 4: Parks, Recreation & Culture Strategic Plan
Category

Questions to Consider

Findings

54

Document Information

What is the purpose of this
document?

●

A direction and guide
for Surrey, identifying
needs and opportunities
related to parks,
recreation, and culture

Relevance to Research Question

How does this document relate
to improving youth access to
arena-based recreation?

●

Specifically mentioned
the need to increase
active and engaging
afterschool opportunities
for students
Outlines plans for the
new ice complex in
Grandview Heights and
replacement of Newton
Ice Arena in the long
term
Emphasis on equitable
access for all to
participate and be active

●

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Key Themes & Findings

Does it provide policies,
statistics, best practices, or
strategies that align with my
research focus?

●

Mentions establishing
Joint Use Agreements
(JUAs) with Surrey
Schools to better
develop, program, and
maintain shared sports
and play facilities which
could include arenas

What key themes emerge from
this document? (e.g.,
accessibility, affordability,
partnerships, programming)

●

Accessibility &
inclusion
Community engagement
Partnerships
Facility development &
renewal
Diverse programming

●
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●

Are there specific
recommendations or strategies
that could be applied to RBRC?

●
●
●
●

Exploring partnerships
with schools for facility
use
Development for
opportunities for drop-in
activities
Focusing on creating
welcoming and
supportive environments
Consider development
of new or expanded ice
facilities

55

Equity & Inclusion

Does the document address
barriers to participation for
youth, newcomers, or
marginalized groups?

●

●
Are there any mentions of
cultural considerations or
diversity in recreational
programming?

●
●
●
●
●

Community Partnerships &
Engagement

Does the document discuss
partnerships with organizations,
schools, or community groups?

●
●
●

●

Comparative Insights

How does it suggest engaging
with the community to enhance
participation?

●

Does the document provide an
example from another city or
organization that could be
adapted for Burnaby?

●

●

Highlights need to
identify and reduce
barriers for youth, lower
income households,
Indigenous children
Inclusion and access are
top community priorities
Emphasis on importance
of cultural diversity
Foster intercultural
appreciation and
connection
Indigenous collaboration
Partnerships with
LGBTQ community
Streamlining
programming and
services to welcome and
support newcomers to
surrey
Heavy emphasis on
strategic partnerships
Current partnerships
such as YMCA
Specifically advocates
for Joint Use
Agreements (JUAs) with
Surrey Schools
Partnerships with nonprofits, public agencies,
private businesses
Importance of
community stakeholder
engagement
Methods include ideas
fairs, online surveys,
workshops, pop-up
events, focus groups,
community meetings,
especially with underrepresented groups and
newcomers
Includes examples of
best practices from
comparable
communities

56

Data & Evidence

Implications for Research

●

Six communities used
for comparison, and
plenty more

Does the document contain
statistical data, survey results, or
case studies?

●

Yes, includes evidencebased decision making
approach
Population analysis,
Census data, trends and
best practices

How does this document
support, contradict, or expand
my research findings?

●

Detailed identification
of barriers and emphasis
on reaching underrepresented groups,
including youth and
newcomers which align
with the importance of
addressing these factors
in Burnaby

What specific ideas or strategies
from this document could be
applied to RBRC?

●

The Surrey plan
provides structured
framework for strategic
planning in recreation
Burnaby could consider:
needs assessment and
community engagement
process, exploring Joint
Use Agreements with
Burnaby School District,
drawing inspiration from
Surrey’s commitment to
Indigenous collaboration

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