Ice installation continuing despite strike action

By Spencer Hall

The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George says ice installation at the Canoe Valley and Robson Valley Recreation Centres will continue, despite strike action from CUPE 1699, which began on Saturday.

In a statement, the RDFFG said if work can continue during normal business hours, it expects ice surfaces to be usable by October 28th.

“If there are delays or work stoppages from job action that impact ice-making or operating hours, residents will be updated at rdffg.ca as soon as possible,” the RDFFG said.

CUPE 1699 served the RDFFG with 72-hour strike notice on Wednesday after contract negotiations with the District hit an impasse in early August.

As of Saturday, Regional District sites, including recreation centres and transfer stations are open and operating under their normal hours. 

As part of strike action, CUPE 1699 members are not collecting user fees for certain Regional District sites, meaning there are currently no drop-in user fees at the Robson or Canoe Valley Recreation Centres. Both recreation centres are open Monday to Sunday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

The District said over the past few weeks, staff have worked to improve the entrance awning and to clean up the parking lot and entrance way at the Robson Valley Rec Centre, with both of these projects anticipated to be completed by the end of next week.

“The next project is to begin replacing exterior doors, starting with the ones near the curling rink. This will start at the end of October,” the District said, adding that it will coordinate with the McBride Curling Club to make sure it is informed about the timing of work.

The collective agreement between CUPE 1699 and the Regional District expired in December 2024. Negotiations began in February and hit an impasse in early August. Workers then took a vote on strike action at the end of August, with 94 per cent voting in favor.

This is a developing story and may be updated as more information becomes available