Seniors protest at Cameron Centre farewell event

Members of the seniors’ badminton club at Cameron Community Centre organized a small protest during the community centre’s farewell event on Saturday, August 17. The city organized the event to celebrate 40 years of Cameron Community Centre before its official closure and redevelopment, a $267M project. 

Around 15 seniors gathered beside the mayor’s podium in the Cameron Community Centre parking lot and held signs saying “Save Our Senior Badminton Club” and “Equality for Seniors.” 

“The city won’t let us keep the clubs; they tell us to go to the drop-in,” said club member and protester Daniel To. “We are 70 and over; some are even 90 years old. How are we going to play with the drop-ins? No one is going to play with us.”

To said that the club has existed for more than 20 years and currently has 150 members who meet three times a week for two hours. He added that club members want to relocate to Christine Sinclair Centre, where the city will relocate many of the Cameron Community Centre’s sports activities. 

“We are lobbying with the city; that’s why we’re here. The mayor is coming today, and we want him to know. We sent a letter to them already, but still no response. Richard Lee, the city councillor, will be here today too. We want our voice to be heard,” To said.

Club members said they are concerned that drop-in activities only allow up to 32 individuals, while the club currently has 150 members. They said they are also worried that they will face ageism in the drop-in activities, where other players may refuse to play with them because of their advanced age. They are also concerned about the loss of community, as the club is a close community where members have been friends for decades. 

Mayor Mike Hurley took the microphone at 11am and started with a land acknowledgement. In his speech, Hurley also acknowledged the seniors’ demands and their presence. 

“I’m very pleased to see people from badminton here. We always want to hear your voices, and we’re going to try to accommodate you as best we can and make it work. It’s always good for people to come out and have their voices heard; that’s what democracy is all about, and it’s what we’re all about.” 

The mayor also spoke about the benefits and necessity of a new centre and how it would serve the community. 

“Today we are celebrating the legacy of a community centre where countless memories were made,” he said. “There comes a time when buildings need to be replaced, grow, and get bigger. And, of course, we’re having a swimming pool, which is not too bad.”

After the event, Hurley spoke with the Beacon about the city’s plans to accommodate the needs and demands of the seniors who used to frequent Cameron Community Centre.

“It’s difficult, space is at a premium, but I’m going to sit down with our staff and see if we can find a way to try and accommodate them. Christine Sinclair is a really busy place, and we’ll try to find a way to get something for them,” Hurley said. “I’ll need to sit down with staff and they’ll show me the schedule and how it’s all lining up and we’ll try and fit it in. It won’t be easy, but I thought it’s important to acknowledge them and what they’re fighting for with respect.” 

Coun. Maita Santiago told the Beacon that the centre, which has been part of the community for a long time, was long due for an upgrade. The event’s purpose was to say goodbye to a space that has played an important role in the lives of Burnaby residents for 40 years.

“Having a community send-off, which is what we’re doing here today, is a good way to recognize the many memories the people may have had and their connections to the place,” Santiago said. “Staff worked very hard, and they have temporary sites at Lougheed Mall, which is adjacent to the library. It won’t be everything, but it will host some of the activities. It will be a bit tight for the next while as we wait for the new centre. Staff have worked hard to try to find a place for the community.”

The Cameron Library relocated to Lougheed Mall earlier this year and has experienced a surge in new patrons. A new temporary recreation space will open in the mall in early September. 

This piece was made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.

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