Fears the Richmond Oval could become financial burden

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RICHMOND (NEWS1130) – One of the Lower Mainland’s Olympic legacies could become a financial bust. Some Richmond city councillors worry about the future of the Olympic Oval.

The biggest concern surrounds the cost of building a half-million dollar climbing wall, which was first slated to cost about $250,000. Councillor Bill McNulty says the rate of return will be less than $50,000 per year. “It’s great that the world can enjoy it and that other neighbouring communities can enjoy it. But the bottom line still rests with the taxpayers of Richmond who are paying for all the costs, all the staffing.”

There are also worries the building won’t attract enough usage. McNulty says there are similar facilities nearby, including 15 other climbing walls within a 20 minute drive of the Oval. A day care and other sport programs have already been cut because of lack of interest.

The conversion of the Oval is nearly complete.

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