The revitalization plan for the Strathcona Gardens Recreation Centre grew out of recommendations from multiple studies conducted over the years, including a Facility Needs Assessment (2015), Condition Assessment (2016), and Feasibility Studies (2019). The Needs Assessment showed that the facility needs to be expanded to provide the activities desired by the growing and diverse community. Key components of Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex were constructed in the 1970s, 1990s and 2020s.
The Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex is the only recreation complex in Campbell River with an indoor pool. The Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex contributes to the health and well-being of residents within the City of Campbell River, Electoral Area D, and several other communities, including First Nations and rural communities from the broader region. The main pool in the complex has a significant leak that cannot be repaired without shutting down the pool and disrupting service. Repairing the leak alone would not address the capacity issue, and a service disruption would negatively impact the community.
In 2019, A schematic design report was finalized, which included the aquatic centre, wellness centre and the upgrades to the Rod Brind ’Amour Arena. After presenting the moving forward options to the SRD Board, the decision was made to proceed with the detailed design of the aquatic centre and wellness centre.
The SRD project team has worked with HCMA Architecture + Design and a sub-consultant team of engineers, recreation specialists, and the community to develop a design to address gaps in service provision and aging infrastructure needing upgrading. The plan allows for the existing pool to remain operational while the new pool is constructed.
In December 2022, the detailed design for Phase 1 of the REC-REATE project was completed. By 2024, funding was secured, permits were obtained, and procurement was finalized, allowing construction of the new aquatic and wellness facility to begin. Construction is now underway.
In early 2023, the Strathcona Gardens Commission and the SRD Board approved moving forward with the detailed design to upgrade the Rod Brind’Amour Arena. The design was completed in May 2025. Based on Class A cost estimates, the total cost to upgrade the arena is projected at $61 million. In May 2025, the Regional Board gave first, second, and third readings to the Strathcona Gardens Recreation Facility Loan Authorization Bylaw, which would authorize borrowing of up to $57.1 million for Phase 2. The Board also approved proceeding with an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to seek elector approval for the borrowing.
The total estimated cost for both phases of the REC-REATE project is $131 million.
The SRD has applied for federal infrastructure grants to support this project in 2019, 2020, and 2023, with funding requests ranging from $6 million to $70 million. All applications were ultimately denied.
REC-REATE Phase 1 Aquatics & Wellness includes:
Aquatic
- 8-lane 25m lap pool
- 1m springboard
- Climbing wall
- Leisure Pool with beach entry
- Tot splash zone with spray features
- Lazy River
- Wellness pool
- Sauna & Steam Rooms
- 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
Multipurpose Rooms
Wellness Centre
- Wellness reception and waiting area
- New treatment rooms
- New assessment rooms
- Large fitness rooms in renovated existing natatorium
Admin + Gathering
- New administrative offices
- New reception area with office
- Renovated lobby & Social Heart
REC-REATE Phase 2 – the Rod Brind’Amour Arena
The detailed design has been completed, using the same design team and Construction Manager currently working for the Aquatic & Wellness project (Phase One).
The 2019 schematic design report was used to guide the design, with input from user groups, BCHL and lessons learned from Phase One, guiding the final process to the design we have today.
The $61.2 million arena project includes the following features:
- Improved circulation and connection with the rest of the facility to the new Social Heart being delivered in Phase One
- New Team Rooms, referee rooms, media booth and offices
- New Multi-purpose spaces
- New First Aid and Referee Rooms
- Increased seating to meet Junior A requirements
- Walking Track
- Expanded concession services, including a second concession on the 2nd floor
- New washrooms on both levels
- Storage space for user groups and equipment
- New elevator
- Ice Melt Pits
