The City of Richmond is making plans to take over a popular indoor waterpark, sparking concerns regarding property rights.
Watermania’s lease with the municipality is set to expire in 2027, with disagreements arising between the city and the property owner over lease renewal negotiations, as per Jim Carpick, the owner’s legal advisor.
Rather than continuing discussions with 14300 Entertainment Boulevard Investments, the city opted to issue a notice of expropriation, a move described by Carpick as unprecedented.
Carpick expressed worry, stating that the city’s ability to seize property for what it deems a legitimate municipal purpose could impact all property owners.
A notice presented to CBC News by the property owner’s legal representation indicated that the city aims to compel the sale of the facility to secure what it views as “essential community services.”
Local swimmer Rosemary Nickerson welcomed the expropriation, highlighting that it ensures continued public access to the facility, which boasts a 57-meter pool – the sole competitive pool in Richmond.
Notably, the uncertainty surrounding Vancouver’s 50-meter pool underscores the significance of maintaining access to Watermania, according to Nickerson.
Carpick cautioned that municipal ownership does not guarantee perpetual public access, as the city retains the option to sell the property.
Regarding property valuations, Carpick suggested that the city may be leveraging fluctuating property values following the Cowichan Tribes case, a ruling that granted Aboriginal title over Richmond land, leading to uncertainties over private property rights.
The property was valued at $49.3 million by B.C. Assessment this year, a decrease from $52.5 million in the previous year.
Although no sale figure has been proposed, Carpick noted that the city’s offer falls millions short of the assessed value.
Carpick criticized the city for potentially taking advantage of the Cowichan decision’s impact on property values while simultaneously challenging the ruling.
In response to the city’s plans, legal proceedings have been initiated by the property owner to contest the expropriation.
Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie emphasized the city’s rare use of expropriation and its goal to safeguard Watermania’s long-term future as a vital community recreation facility.
Brodie refrained from further comments, citing the ongoing independent inquiry into the matter, scheduled to take place from Nov. 30 to Dec. 4.
