Got space for the world’s largest hockey stick?
Currently affixed to the Cowichan Community Centre (CCC) in Duncan, the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) has opened up its expressions of interest process for groups interested in taking over the “World’s Largest Hockey Stick”.
The stick was first constructed from Douglas Fir for Expo 1986 in Vancouver before it was brought to the island and affixed to the CCC in 1988.
For 35 years, it has adorned the rink and been recognized as a landmark to many travelling the island. The stick measures a whopping 205 feet long and weighs in at over 61,000 pounds.
Last summer, the CVRD sought input from residents to determine the future of the aging stick. However, with a price tag of $1 million to $3 million to construct a replacement stick, the majority of respondents declined interest.
This survey was in part due to the fact that it is nearing the end of its serviceable life, but also partially due to the fact that an American city wants to steal the title and is currently building a bigger stick of their own.
Lockport, Illinois intends to build a 250-foot stick affixed to a new arena which is currently under development.
Related: Here’s how you could own Duncan’s soon-to-be former World’s Largest Hockey Stick
What the results of that public engagement campaign gleaned is that it was not overly important to residents to hold onto the World’s Largest Hockey Stick title, the stick did not provide any importance to the region and most did not support spending money on a costly replacement to hold onto the title.
“We are so fortunate to have had the opportunity to have the WLHS as part of the Cowichan Community Centre for so many years,” said Tom Duncan, Acting Chair of the Cowichan Core Recreation Commission.
“It’s been a community icon and many will be sad to see it go. However, we are really excited to see what proposals come forward on possible future uses for the WLHS.”
The CVRD won’t be giving the stick away to just anybody. A proposal is required for those who want to place their bid on the former world record holding hockey stick.
The process is open to any public, non-profit, or private entities capable of submitting a proposal that involves removing the stick as-is from the community centre.
“Alternative and creative proposals will be considered and all complete proposals will be evaluated by the Cowichan Core Recreation Commission based on general evaluation criteria,” read the expression of interest process proposal.
Anyone interested must submit their information before May 1st.
With files from Curtis Blandy
