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
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 – waiting on announcements – 2023
8. Construction – TBD pending establishing approval of the electorate

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

1. Needs Assessment and Condition Assessment Reports – Completed in 2015 and 2016
2. Planning (Feasibility study) – Completed in 2018
3. Grant Applications – 2019 and 2020 (unsuccessful)
4. Procurement – Detailed Design – Anticipated Summer 2023

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 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?

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 is waiting on the announcement of the successful projects.

The Regional District is monitoring other funding options to support phases one and two!

4. Procurement – Detailed Design

In December 2020, The SRD Board of Directors supported moving forward with the design of phase one. The Regional District hired Make Projects to help manage the project. 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 space, revitalization of the central area, weight room and rehabilitation/wellness space. The ice facilities were not included.

5. Detailed Design

The Detailed Design of Phase One was completed in November 2022. See a summary of the final design here. Communication with Vancouver Island Health and the City of Campbell River is underway to ensure everything is ready to apply for Building Permits as soon as funding is secured.

6. Tendering

The project’s Construction Manager will develop the Invitation to Tenders packages on behalf of the Regional District to invite trades to bid for the construction of the new aquatic and wellness centre. This tendering stage is subject to the successful results of the Alternative Approval Process and tendering within the project budget.

7. Construction

Once selected, the General Contractor and sub-contractor team will supply the materials, equipment, and labour to build the project. Construction will be phased to maintain operations in existing areas of the facility, including the existing pool. The construction is subject to obtaining the necessary permit and securing funding.