Pete Fry said if a deal is reached between the city and the Canucks, the result would add excitement to the community. Fry has represented the Green Party on council since 2018.<\/p>\n
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Published Mar 13, 2026 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 Last updated 4\u00a0hours ago \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 4 minute read<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n You can save this article by registering for free here<\/a>. Or sign-in<\/a> if you have an account.<\/p>\n There is nothing like election season to get people endorsing a local pro sports team.<\/p>\n Advertisement 2<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY<\/p>\n Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.<\/p>\n Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. 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Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events.Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account.The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.<\/p>\n REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/p>\n THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.<\/p>\n Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Account<\/p>\n or<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Cue the sloganeering, where politicos start workshopping lines that go something like: The Vancouver Canucks<\/a> are rebuilding the roster, while building in the community.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Or something like that.<\/p>\n Anyway, the news this week that the local NHLers have been talking to the City of Vancouver about adding on to Britannia Rink<\/a> caught the ear of Pete Fry, the Vancouver councillor who has also announced he will be standing for mayor in this fall\u2019s election.<\/p>\n Reached Friday, Fry said if a deal is reached between the city and the Canucks, the result would add excitement to the community. Fry has represented the Green Party on council since 2018<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cAs somebody who is in the catchment, who has advocated for the renewal of the community facilities at Britannia, and who has worked with some of the vulnerable populations in this neighbourhood, this has always been a big priority for me,\u201d he said of renewing the Britannia complex, which includes an elementary school, a secondary school, a community centre, a pool, other community services, and also the ice rink.<\/p>\n Canucks Report<\/p>\n Thanks for signing up!<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n Advertisement 3<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what I\u2019ve seen of this proposal under an (non-disclosure agreement) \u2014 and it\u2019s early days \u2014 my understanding of what is potentially coming is going to be a benefit. It\u2019s not really going to intrude upon the existing ice facility. It\u2019s going to be a value-add,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n Fry couldn\u2019t comment any further on what might be under discussion, and the city and the team remain guarded about details of what the discussions might be, but given past pronouncements by the Canucks around what they would be interested in doing, it\u2019s not hard to speculate.<\/p>\n GM Patrik Allvin, for instance, mused last year that the team may just push to build some extra space adjacent or connected to an existing structure, of up to 25,000 square feet. Notably, if you look at the parking lot to the west of the Britannia rink, there is a stub at the end that is about 7,000 to 8,000 square feet. If it could be built up three or four storeys, you would quickly get to the Canucks\u2019 desired floor plan.<\/p>\n Advertisement 4<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n If they built such a structure, it wouldn\u2019t include a new sheet of ice, but would have plenty of space for improved dressing rooms to be used by the players, as well as treatment and workout areas. The Canucks would also want to have office space as well.<\/p>\n Presumably, the team would also build spaces for community use.<\/p>\n The rink\u2019s ice plant and sheet has already been upgraded and is apparently up to snuff for an NHL team, so there is no work needed to be done there. In the long run, as the Britannia complex gets redeveloped, you would hope a way could be found to build a second sheet of ice, as the city itself has long been in need of new ice rinks added to the inventory.<\/p>\n The total amount of ice available in Vancouver has essentially remained stagnant over the past half-century, despite having been in the NHL since 1970. Other cities in the region have added rinks of their own, both in public recreation centres and through private facilities.<\/p>\n The other question \u2014 which will remained unanswered likely until an announcement is made, if a deal is struck \u2014 is whether the Canucks use of the ice for practices would take away from what the community has been using.<\/p>\n Advertisement 5<\/p>\n This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n Article content<\/p>\n The Canucks usually practise at Rogers Arena<\/a>, but when the arena is booked for a concert, they have to take their practices elsewhere, because not only does the ice get covered over but usually the team loses access to their off-ice spaces as well. In recent seasons, the team has practised at the University of B.C., with the Canucks often scheduling a main practice for about an hour in the late morning. Sometimes, injured players or the goalies go on the ice in the hour or two before.<\/p>\n From time to time, visiting teams need ice as well. Usually, they have followed the Canucks\u2019 lead and taken up time at UBC or Rogers. Would they be able to book ice at a new facility, or would community needs supersede that?<\/p>\n Public skates at Britannia often take place in the afternoon or evening, with occasional morning bookings. The Vancouver Minor Hockey Association is a major user of the rink for practices and games, but on weekdays isn\u2019t using the rink during school hours.<\/p>\n Weekends, though, are very busy.<\/p>\n The Canucks moving into Britannia has many potential benefits, but there would be some community managing to do. What is clear is there\u2019s smoke here \u2014 but will it turn into something tangible? We\u2019ll see.<\/p>\n pjohnston@postmedia.com<\/a><\/p>\n Read More<\/p>\n Canucks nearing deal with City of Vancouver for practice rink<\/p>\n![\"fry\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0314-col-canucks-1.jpg\")
Vancouver City Coun. Pete Fry announced in January that he is running for mayor. Photo by NICK PROCAYLO \/10110503AArticle content<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/20.7.1\/websites\/images\/identity\/logo-identity-vp.svg\"){kind=logo}
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Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin waits to speak during media day on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. Photo by ETHAN CAIRNS \/THE CANADIAN PRESS<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/png0915nrink-04_298728602.jpg\")
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