Dawson Creek City Council has given a nod of support to a long-running summer sports event, but turned down a request for field rental relief from a local youth soccer group. The decisions came during council’s May 25 meeting, with highlights released the next day.
Council approved a letter of endorsement for the Dawson Creek Triathlon, a volunteer-run competition set for July 12. Jamie Maxwell of the Dawson Creek Triathlon Association appeared before council seeking the endorsement. The event, which started in 2016, draws athletes from across the BC and Alberta Peace regions and is considered a boost for local tourism and community spirit.
In contrast, council shot down a motion from the South Peace Soccer Association to lower or waive its field rental fees for 2026. The club had submitted financial records showing it expects a small operating deficit this year. However, council members chose to defeat the request, meaning the association will have to pay full price for use of city fields.
The soccer group did get some good news around the same time. It announced a $15,000 grant from Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities, money aimed at helping more kids in Dawson Creek and nearby communities take part in the sport. Jan Atkinson, the association’s president, called the grant a milestone. “It removes financial barriers so every child in our community has the chance to play, grow and belong on the pitch,” Atkinson said.
In other business, council received a report on the BC Transit operating agreement for 2026 and 2027, but decided to put off any decision to a later date. A spokesperson for the city said this allows more time to review the partnership that keeps local buses running.
Council members at the table were Mayor Darcy Dober and councillors Gregg Apolonio, Jerimy Earl, Amy Kaempf, Kyle MacDonald, Charlie Parslow, and Mike Sudnik. All were elected in October 2022.
