The Haida Gwaii Recreation (HG Rec) and the Village of Port Clements (VOPC) are facing backlash after halting weight room orientations in Port Clements due to concerns over children using gym equipment. The orientations, offered for several years, helped residents properly use gym equipment, reduce injury risk, and improve gym etiquette.
A recent online post by a Port Clements resident prompted HG Rec to reassess the situation. The resident claimed their children, after receiving an orientation, bought memberships and were using adult gym equipment, raising concerns over safety and liability. “My role in HG Rec is to manage risk to our own organization. The Village Council determines venue rules,” said HG Rec Coordinator Allisa MacMullin.
“This is a liability concern for us, and we alerted VOPC that we will not be doing orientations in spaces where children under 13 are permitted,” said MacMullin. “HG Rec and BCRPA trained leaders are not able to orient anyone that young.”
After a meeting in November, VOPC confirmed it would continue to allow children in the space, though the gym’s policy could change. As a result, HG Rec will no longer conduct orientations in Port Clements, though the gym will remain open for use.
HG Rec and BCRPA-trained leaders conduct orientations for new gym members on safety and proper gym etiquette in Daajing Giids, Sandspit and formally Port Clements. Ruth Bellemy has been conducting the orientations for the Port Clements weight room for the last few years. The orientations last 30-45 minutes and are offered once a month to anyone over the age of 16 who would like to access the gym.
“Ruth and I are not comfortable with the risk. If a weight falls on a small child or they injure themselves or others, that’s not something we want to worry about, especially knowing the risks ourselves,” MacMullin said.
Marjorie Dobson, Chief Administrative Officer of Port Clements, held a special meeting with the council, which decided to allow children in the gym. However, the extent of the policy remains unclear.
HG Rec stated that children under 14 are not permitted in the DG gym, and no one under 16 can be in the space without a parent or guardian. “We’ve conducted an environmental scan across the province and found that no gyms, even staffed ones, allow children aged six and under in weight rooms,” explained MacMullin.
The decision has sparked frustration among some Port Clements residents, who fear losing access to fitness education. However, HG Rec emphasized that their priority is safety. They also noted that cost savings from halting the orientations—estimated at $1,000—will be redirected to support online orientations for essential service workers, such as Northern Health staff, and to help locals access gyms with the necessary knowledge.
“HG Rec provided orientation for new members, but in terms of liability, we cannot speak on behalf of the Haida Gwaii Recreation Commission. “Those interested in gaining membership usually contact the office, and that has not changed,” Dobson said in an email.
Membership can be obtained through the Village. The annual membership fee is $120.00, $30.00 for three months, and $25.00 for one month.
MacMullin explained that HG Rec’s insurance provider, the Municipal Insurance Agency of B.C., indicates there is no legal restriction to having children in the facility, but it is considered higher risk. “To those concerned (those without kids), I hear their valid concerns,” MacMullin said. If you consider the risk of working out around kids, and those not yours, and potentially injuring yourself or them, it’s a stressful situation.”
“Regarding children and youth using the facility, we are still working on the protocols, which should be available soon,” explained Dobson.
The high schools in Masset and DG allow students to use their space, supervised by teachers with physical education backgrounds, allowing these gyms to offer youth-specific programs. HG Rec’s trainers do not have this specialty of training children and youth.
While HG Rec has removed itself from the situation in Port Clements due to liability concerns, the Village Council is now responsible for addressing the gym’s policies moving forward.