Concord Pacific gives $1 million to paddling centre
Concord Pacific, a longtime supporter of dragon boating, has donated $1 million toward the cost of building a new $3.2-million paddling centre in False Creek that is scheduled to be completed by December.
The donation to the city comes on the eve of this weekend’s three-day Rio Tinto Alcan Dragon Boat Festival, which is organized by the Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival Society and is expected to attract 200 teams and 5,000 paddlers.
Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson said the $1-million donation “is a big boost for Vancouver’s dragon boat community and makes False Creek an even more desirable neighbourhood to live in.”
The centre is being constructed near the Creekside Community Centre and will provide docks and storage facilities for paddlers.
Robertson said Concord Pacific has been a long-standing supporter of dragon boating and other charities, adding that “their contribution is a great example of how new development can create real benefits for local neighbourhoods.”
Concord Pacific senior vicepresident of development Peter Webb said the new docks and proposed paddle centre ensure a future for dragon boating and other sports on False Creek.
“Over the past 20-plus years Concord has been the largest private contributor of parks, seawall, water access and community infrastructure downtown,” said Webb.
“We are proud to contribute to this world-class city.”
Pete Wong, chairman of the dragon boat festival said the society is grateful to Concord and the City of Vancouver for their generous support.
“Our society and the sport of dragon boating have worked hard to become intrinsic contributors to the animation of False Creek and the culture of Vancouver,” Wong said.
When completed, the paddling centre will have six floating docks, connecting gangways and six floating, paddling equipment storage structures.
It has been partly completed and will be used during this weekend’s races.