REC-REATE Project Stages

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

1. Needs Assessment and Condition Assessment Reports – Completed in 2015 and 2016
2. Planning (Feasibility study) – Completed in 2018
   – Revitalization feasibility study
   – Appendix to the Revitalization Feasibility report – new build expansion study 
3. Grant Applications – 2019 and 2020 (unsuccessful)
4. Procurement – Detailed Design (RFP) – Completed in March 2021
5. Detailed Design –Completed in November 2022
6. SRD Board of Directors approves 2023-2027 Financial Plan – $73 Million for REC-REATE – 2023
7. Grant application – 2023 (unsuccessful)
8. Project Tendering and Cost Reductions Process – June 2024
9. Construction start – Summer 2024
10. New Aquatic Centre open to the public – Fall 2026
11. Phase 1 Estimated Completion – Spring 2027

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

1. Needs Assessment and Condition Assessment Reports – Completed in 2015 and 2016
2. Planning (Feasibility study) – Completed in 2018
   – Revitalization feasibility study
   – Appendix to the Revitalization Feasibility report – new build expansion study 
3. Grant Applications – 2019 and 2020 (unsuccessful)
4. Detailed Design – Completed in Spring 2025
5. Project Tendering & Construction – To be determined, pending funding and approval by the SRD Board

1. Facility Needs Assessment Study and Condition Assessment Report

The Facility Needs Assessment Study focused on the following key components:

• Is the present service delivery meeting the needs and expectations of the community or are additional programs and services needed now or in the future to serve the residents of Campbell River and Electoral Area D?
• Does the existing facility allow for the delivery of appropriate services for the next 5, 10 to 20 years and, if not, how should the facility be improved to deliver these services?
  See Full Revitalisation Feasibility Study here >

  See Appendix to Feasibility Study – New Build Expansion Study here >

The Condition Assessment focused on the conditions of the existing facility and the costs associated with maintaining it and the services that it provides to the local community. The Needs Assessment Study was completed in June 2015 and the Condition Assessment in 2016.

2. Planning

In November of 2016 the Strathcona Regional District commissioned HCMA Architecture to complete a Feasibility Study to move forward the planning efforts for the renewal of the Strathcona Gardens Complex. Two potential design options were considered during this stage, a Community Advisory Group established, public consultation happened and a high-level schematic report completed and approved by the Board in 2018.

3. Grant Applications

In January 2019, the Regional District made an application to the Canada-British Columbia Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) –Community, Culture and Recreation Stream to fund the full scope identified in the 2019 Schematic Design Report. The application was not successful, and the SRD was not granted funding.

In October 2020, the Regional District made a second application to the ICIP – Community, Culture and Recreation Stream to offset project costs, including a smaller scope of work for the wellness centre. The SRD was not granted funding.

In June 2022, the Regional District applied to the Canada Community Building Fund – Strategic Priorities Fund, seeking $6 million to support the construction of the Aquatic Center. The SRD was not granted funding.

In February 2023, the Regional District made an application to the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program, seeking $13 million to support the construction of phase one. The Regional District was not granted funding.

The Regional District is monitoring other funding options to support the REC-REATE project!

4. Procurement – Detailed Design

In December 2020, the SRD Board of Directors supported moving forward with the design of Phase One. It started with the procurement of the design team and Construction Manager to assist with pre-construction services. In early 2021, Heatherbrae Builders was selected as the Construction Manager and HCMA Architecture + Design was selected to design the new aquatic and wellness centre.

In June 2023, the SRD Board of Directors supported moving forward with the design of phase two, using the same team of consultants as Phase One.

5. Detailed Design

The Detailed Design of Phase One was completed in December 2022. See a summary of the final design here.

The Detailed Design of Phase Two, the Rod Brind’Amour Arena, started in late 2023 and completed in the Spring of 2025. Arena Design information can be found here.

Applications for Development Variance and Building Permits with the City of Campbell River are underway.

6. Tendering

Phase One was tendered in early 2024 and a contract awarded to Heatherbrae Builders. Phase two will be ready for tendering in early 2026 (Subject to the results of the Alternative Approval Process).

7. Construction

Construction on Phase One started in Summer 2024 and is well underway. Construction Updates can be found here. The construction is planned in phases to maintain operations in existing areas of the facility. The new Aquatic Centre will be open to the public in Fall 2026, with the wellness centre completed in the Spring of 2027.

Construction of Phase Two is subject to securing funding for the project and receiving tender results within the budget.