One East Richmond family is driving at least eight times a week into city centre to take their kids to sports activities.
The Chin family, who live in Hamilton, wonder why there aren’t more sports facilities where they live.
Norm Chin and his sons, who are big hockey fans, said the family has to drive into Richmond City Centre for sports-related activities because there isn’t space for many activities at the local community centre.
Hamilton community centre currently has one fitness centre and one shared gym that is connected to Hamilton Elementary School.
The community centre - which is in the same building at the elementary school - hasn’t been expanded since 2010.
The Chin family described the fitness centre and gym as “small and cramped.”
When asked how often the family drives to city centre for sports lessons, Chin said at least eight times a week, some days back and forth twice a day.
Chin, who moved to Hamilton two years ago, said nothing much has changed including the development of the neighbourhood amenities.
“It remains a friendly community but lacks any progress in development,” he said.
“It seems the focus is mainly on developing new housing.”
Chin told the Richmond News a larger fitness centre, and an indoor court and gym would get more families out and active.
“We, personally, would love to see a swimming pool and an ice rink built nearby, but that’s wishful thinking,” he said.
The City of Richmond has a long-term plan to build an athletics track and field, synthetic turf infield and a synthetic turf sports field in East Richmond and Hamilton areas, estimated to cost $18 million.
However, there is no timeline for these facilities.
City staff have recommended moving forward with the aforementioned projects over the next one to 10 years in the upcoming capital budget process.
As a former ice hockey coach in Asia, Chin emphasizes that sports are crucial for children’s development; however, without appropriate-sized facilities, this can’t happen.
“Having better facilities closer to Hamilton would definitely bring our community closer as we would see more of our neighbours and friends, (while) building stronger bonds (with) neighbours.”
Chin and many Hamilton residents have constantly highlighted the neighbourhood as an “after thought” when it comes to city planning and major concerns.
“As taxpaying citizens, we should expect to enjoy the same types of facilities as any other Richmond resident without having to commute long distances through horrible traffic.
“We are fortunate that we have a vehicle and are able to travel to our various activities.”
