Frequently Asked Questions

*** This page is updated regularly as new questions arise.

 For additional inquiries, please contact recreate@srd.ca.***

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Rod Brind’Amour Arena Redevelopment

The Rod Brind’Amour Arena has been showing its age for years. A professional Building Condition Assessment in 2007 documented major deficiencies across the facility:

·        Roofing and structural systems approaching the end of their useful life, requiring substantial reinvestment.

·        Undersized and outdated dressing rooms that do not meet current standards for athletes or accessibility.

·        Worn and outdated washrooms, with plumbing and finishes well beyond their expected life.

·        Aging heating and ventilation systems that no longer provide reliable comfort or energy efficiency.

·        Spectator seating that was uncomfortable, deteriorating, and not accessible.

·        Limited accessibility throughout the facility, including viewing areas and change facilities.

These findings made it clear that the arena was nearing the end of its service life even 15+ years ago.

 

If upgrades do not proceed, the community faces:

·        Intermittent unplanned closures as aging systems continue to deteriorate and fail. These shutdowns would be unpredictable and far more disruptive than a planned construction schedule.

·        Escalating repair costs, with funds directed toward short-term fixes rather than long-term solutions.

·        Loss of participation opportunities, as outdated change rooms, washrooms, and accessibility barriers prevent some users from taking part.

·        Programming constraints, with no ability to expand or diversify ice sports or add complementary activities.

·        Continued reliance on patchwork fixes, which absorb funds without delivering modern, functional spaces or improved energy performance.

·        Missed community benefits, as there would be no opportunity to add new amenities such as the indoor walking track, warm viewing area, or expanded multipurpose spaces. 

 

Phase Two of the REC-REATE project is the opportunity to stop investing money into short-term fixes and instead invest in a modern, more eco-efficient arena that will lower energy costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and meet community needs for decades to come.

The systems in the Rod Brind’Amour Arena are reaching the end of their service life, and repairs will be required no matter what. If these upgrades are not addressed through the REC-REATE project, system failures could lead to unplanned service disruptions that provide little or no time to prepare.

 

Major repairs done outside of the larger project would also have significant financial impacts. Stand-alone repairs would need to be funded directly by residents over a much shorter time frame. In contrast, the borrowing bylaw for the REC-REATE project allows the cost of the investment to be spread over a 30-year term, making it far more manageable.

 

By moving forward with the planned redevelopment, we are not only addressing critical building needs but also creating a generational community amenity that will benefit the entire region. Modern facilities like this help make Campbell River a more desirable place to live, work, and invest — attracting new families, healthcare professionals, and essential workers, while supporting a vibrant local economy.

 

This investment is for everyone: from hockey players and figure skaters, to walkers using the new indoor walking track, to families attending community events. The renewed arena will provide safe, modern, and accessible spaces that support healthy living, connection, and pride in community.

 
At the same time, the project allows us to replace outdated systems with modern, eco-efficient alternatives — helping to lower energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the long term. These benefits cannot be realized through piecemeal repairs.

In January 2023, three options for moving the REC-REATE project forward were presented to the Strathcona Gardens Commission.

  1. Replace the existing pool – like for like
  2. Build the newly designed Aquatic Centre and renovated Wellness spaces
  3. Build the new Aquatic Centre, renovated Wellness spaces and add the Rod Brind’Amour Arena to the project

The Commission selected Option 3 with the financial costs being supported in the 2023–2027 Financial Plan.

The Rod Brind’Amour Arena redevelopment design will focus on enhancing the arena’s functionality and user experience including expanding spectator seating and upgrading team rooms, creating the potential to attract a Junior A hockey team to our region and hosting a more diverse range of events.

Additionally, we plan to introduce a second-level walking loop, providing more opportunities for rehabilitation and fitness activities within the facility. Moreover, we’re enhancing wayfinding and connectivity throughout the arena, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience for all visitors.

The design team has been selected, and the detailed design drawings completed in 2025.

The redeveloped Rod Brind’Amour Arena will have capacity for 2,000 spectators in total. This includes approximately 1,600 seats, along with designated accessible seating areas and standing room.

For most of the year, parking at Strathcona Gardens will be more than sufficient and will exceed BC Building Code requirements for the facility’s capacity. As part of Phase Two, the parking lot will be realigned to maximize available stalls and update them to current standards.

During special events, SRD will work with neighbouring properties to explore additional off-street parking options. Visitors are encouraged to carpool or use public transit when attending events. This approach is common for facilities that host large gatherings, as designing for peak occupancy can lead to inefficient land use throughout the rest of the year.

Additional covered bike racks, including charging stations for e-bikes, will support those commuting by bicycle.

Click here to see images of the design plans for Phase One and the concept plan for Phase Two. Both designs were developed by HCMA Architecture + Design.

The Rod Brind’Amour Arena redevelopment will include:

  • Improved circulation with the rest of the facility and connection to the new Social Heart being delivered in
  • Phase One
  • Viewing platform
  • New team rooms and offices
  • New multipurpose spaces
  • New offices
  • Four new dressing rooms & home team room
  • New storage rooms
  • New first aid and referee rooms
  • Increased seating to meet Junior A requirements
  • Walking track
  • Expanded concession
  • New washrooms
  • New elevator
  • Two new ice melt pits

Construction

Construction of Phase One began in August 2024, with the Aquatic Centre scheduled for completion by September 2026 and the Wellness Centre by spring 2027.

The Rod Brind’Amour Arena upgrades are expected to take approximately 26 months from project award, subject to funding availability and tender results. The timing of construction will take into careful consideration the potential impacts on user groups and other impacted parties.

Further details will be shared as they become available.

We understand that arena users — from youth hockey to adult leagues — are concerned about the potential impacts of construction on programming. Recreation is a vital part of community life, and we know how important access to ice is for players, families, and fans alike.

 

During the COVID-19 pandemic and the SRD labour disruption, the Strathcona Gardens team and user groups worked together to keep essential programming going wherever possible. While those circumstances were different from a planned construction project, they showed the creativity and resilience of this community. We will continue that spirit of collaboration, working with user groups to explore scheduling adjustments and other solutions to support continued access to recreation throughout construction.

 

The REC-REATE project is committed to reducing impacts on users and visitors. This is reflected in the phased construction plan for the new Aquatic Centre, where the existing pool will remain open until the new one is operational. While we do not have enough space on-site to follow the exact same approach for the arena, construction will be scheduled to reduce disruption as much as possible. Importantly, the second ice sheet and the leisure ice will remain in operation throughout the build, with only short shutdowns required to accommodate system tie-ins.

 

The Strathcona Gardens team is committed to maximizing the time available on the remaining ice surfaces and supporting user groups in finding other solutions. This could include arranging transportation if activities need to be relocated to other arenas in the region and liaising with those facilities to help secure ice time. 

Without this investment, the arena will continue to age with only piecemeal repairs, leaving no opportunity to add the new community amenities and improved spaces that are needed. The construction timeline will be carefully managed to minimize impacts and will be shared well in advance to give users as much notice as possible.

The Aquatic Centre renewal is further along in the planning and design process and was always envisioned to be Phase One of facility upgrades. The Strathcona Gardens pool has an existing water leak(s) in it that has created voids underneath the pool basin, making it a higher priority for renovation than the arena.

There are two places where you can find the most up-to-date information about construction and its impact on our facility:

  • Construction updates, including parking, building access, and general site impacts, are available here:
    strathconagardens.com/construction
  • Program changes, including drop-in schedules and registered programs, are updated regularly on the main Strathcona Gardens website: strathconagardens.com

We also share major updates on our social media channels.

REC-REATE Project & Design

The Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex is a well-loved and well-used recreational facility that contributes to the health and well-being of residents within the City of Campbell River, Electoral Area D and surrounding areas. It provides countless personal, social, and economic benefits to the public, and is integral to building strong communities. Key components of Strathcona Gardens were constructed in the 1970s. Through studies, we know that the facility is aging and is in need of renewal. More needs to be done to maintain and enhance this valued public asset.

The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) owns and operates Strathcona Gardens. The REC-REATE Strathcona Gardens revitalization project was created in planning for the future of the facility. The goal of REC-REATE is to renew the facility to address aging components which are nearing end of life and to meet the diverse and changing recreational needs of the community now and in the future.

REC-REATE grew out of recommendations from a 2015 needs assessment study and 2016 condition assessment.

The condition assessment told us that the facility is aging and needs renewal. The condition of the pool was of particular concern – the pool is at risk of failing at any time. Without a plan in place to build a new pool, the Aquatic Centre could be shut down, leaving the community with no indoor pool and preventing access to some of the critical programming it offers.

During the needs assessment, the public was asked to inform the SRD how they are doing and share ideas on how to better meet recreational needs and expectations. Through surveys and open houses with Electoral Area D and City of Campbell River residents, SRD staff heard the existing facility is at its capacity and more can be done to meet the needs of users. A number of potential actions were identified, including operational enhancements, business planning, and redevelopment of the building.

The Strathcona Gardens Commission, the governing body responsible for making decisions relating to the administration and operation of the Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex, supported further investigations and the establishment of a reserve fund for future works.

REC-REATE Phase 1 – Aquatic Centre and Wellness Centre Project Stages

REC-REATE Phase 2 – Rod Brind’Amour Arena Redevelopment – Project Status

Deciding what would be included in the Phase One project was an iterative process, considering many different options. It included community feedback and approvals from the Strathcona Gardens Commission and the Regional Board of Directors. What resulted is a balance between the community’s needs vs. wants, the budget, space and the need to keep the existing pool open during construction.

Phase One – Aquatic and Wellness Centre

See design & learn more at: www.recreatesg.ca/aquatics

  • 8-lane 25m lap pool
  • 1m springboard
  • Climbing wall
  • Leisure pool
  • Beach entry
  • Tot splash zone with spray features
  • Lazy river
  • Wellness pool
  • Hot pool
  • Waterslide
  • Universal and gendered changerooms
  • Lifeguard room and first aid station
  • Outdoor aquatic patio
  • Outdoor social heart
  • Improved drop-off area
  • New landscaping
  • 3 multipurpose rooms

Wellness Centre

See design & learn more at: www.recreatesg.ca/wellness-areas

  • Wellness reception and waiting area
  • 4 new treatment rooms
  • 3 new assessment rooms
  • Large fitness rooms in renovated existing natatorium
  • New administrative offices
  • New reception area with office
  • Renovated lobby & gathering area

See the design & learn more at: recreatesg.ca/areas-of-project-focus/arenas

Financial

The cost to build Phase One, the new Aquatic Centre and Wellness spaces renovation, is $69.8 million. The estimated cost received to build Phase Two, the upgrade of the Rod Brind’Amour Arena, is $61.2 million. The total cost to build the REC-REATE Project is $131 million.

Phase One of the REC-REATE project — the new Aquatic Centre and Wellness spaces — will cost $69.8 million. There is enough funding available through existing tax levels and approved borrowing, so no new tax increase is needed for Phase One.

If Phase Two goes ahead, an additional tax increase of about $88 per average household would be added in 2026. This would help cover the cost of completing the remaining project work.

Most of the funding needed to repay the project loans was already approved by the SRD Board and included in property tax notices from 2023 to 2025. The 2026 increase would represent the final portion, but only if Bylaw No. 607 is adopted.

These costs are part of the overall tax support for Strathcona Gardens operations and improvements — they are not listed as a separate line on your tax bill.

The exact amount for each household may vary depending on property values, interest rates, and whether other communities are added to the service in the future.

Only property owners in Electoral Area D and the City of Campbell River pay taxes for the Strathcona Gardens service.

The Project is being funded through a combination of user fees, reserve funds allocated for this purpose, and borrowing. Only residents of Electoral Area D and the City of Campbell River contribute to the tax requisition that supports the borrowing.

Alternative Approval Process (AAP)

An Alternative Approval Process (AAP) is used to measure the level of support and provide legislative approval from the residents for the initiative and subsequent borrowing being proposed.

The Regional Board will typically advertise its intent and high-level information on the nature of the project, the amount of money required to be borrowed, and the financial impact on the residents should the approval process be successful. The borrowing initiative is deemed approved by the community if less than 10% of electors submit a petition objecting to the borrowing.

The Alternative Approval Process (AAP) for Phase One was successful, giving the Regional District the authority to borrow up to $64 million. This is the maximum borrowing limit — not necessarily the amount that will be used. If actual project costs are lower or the SRD secures grant funding, the full amount may not be required.

For Phase Two, the SRD is seeking approval to borrow up to $57.1 million. As with Phase One, this is a borrowing ceiling — the final amount borrowed will depend on construction costs and the availability of external funding. In May 2025, the Board approved proceeding with an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to seek elector approval for Bylaw No. 607, which authorizes the borrowing for Phase Two.

More information about Strathcona Gardens Alternative Approval Process can be found at: www.srd.ca/strathcona-gardens-aap

The Regional District is required by the Local Government Act to obtain the approval of the electors using an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) or a referendum vote.

The cost of an AAP is significantly less than seeking approval via referendum and is often preferred for that reason. If the AAP process isn’t successful (10% of electors submit written objection forms), the Regional Board then determines whether the proposal should be taken to a referendum.

The AAP is somewhat quicker, and time is a factor in this case for making a decision. An AAP is truly an opinion poll in that the Board may either proceed to adoption if there is little opposition or proceed with assent voting if ratepayer support is questionable.

If you support the project, no action is needed — only those opposed need to submit a response form during an AAP.

If you are opposed to the project and do not want the Regional Board to adopt Bylaw No. 607, you can submit a completed Elector Response Form as part of the Alternative Approval Process (AAP).

When the AAP is initiated:

  • The approved response form will be made available by the Regional District.
  • You must submit an originally signed copy of the form in person or by mail to the Regional District corporate office at 990 Cedar Street, Campbell River by the deadline specified in the notice.
  • Forms sent by email or fax will not be accepted.
  • After the deadline, each form will be reviewed by the Corporate Officer to confirm its authenticity and to verify the elector status of the person submitting it.
  • A report summarizing the results will be presented to the Regional Board.

Only eligible electors who live or own property in Electoral Area D or the City of Campbell River are permitted to submit a response form.

More details, including the deadline and form access, can be found at: www.srd.ca/strathcona-gardens-aap

A total of 106 electors (0.32%) submitted valid forms through the Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to oppose the $64.6 million loan authorization bylaw.

Under the Alternative Approval Process, approval of the electors is obtained if the number of elector responses received is less than 10 percent of the number of electors within Campbell River and Area D (32,880 people).

The SRD will begin reviewing all Alternative Approval Process (AAP) submissions after the deadline of Monday, September 22 at noon. The evaluation may take a week or more, depending on the number of responses received.

The results will be included in the October 22 Board meeting agenda, scheduled to be published on October 17 and will be available for public viewing at that time.

Following the Board meeting, the SRD will issue a public news release summarizing the outcome of the Board’s discussions.

© Copyright RECREATE

The Strathcona Regional District respectfully acknowledges that the Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex are located on the traditional unceded territory of the Ligʷiłdax̌ʷ people.