The Canucks announced a memorandum of understanding with the city Thursday, representing “the beginning of a process to explore” developing a permanent training centre for the team in East Vancouver. The team and the City of Vancouver described the development as the beginning of negotiations about the future of the Britannia Community Services Centre site—a hub adjacent to two schools that includes a library, a child-care centre, a seniors’ centre, and a pool. A statement from Canucks Sports & Entertainment indicates said plans for the site include the Canucks using the existing ice rink, building a new facility, contributing community amenities, and making investments in local programming. “This partnership with our city represents a long-term investment in our community and in the future of hockey in Vancouver,” said Michael Doyle, with Canucks Sports & Entertainment, in the statement. “We are committed to working with the community to explore opportunities for youth, families and future generations to connect through sport.” The Vancouver Park Board and the Britannia Community Services Society will be brought into the negotiations “at appropriate stages,” the statement said. The Canucks are the only NHL team that does not currently have a permanent, dedicated practice facility.
