REC-REATE 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 – Started Spring 2021 and was completed in August 2022
6. Tender (ITT) – Subject to funding
7. Construction – Subject to funding

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 in an effort to offset project costs. This application was not successful.

In October 2020 , the Regional District made a second application to the ICIP – Community, Culture and Recreation Stream to offset project costs which included a smaller scope of work for the wellness centre. This application was not successful and the Regional District is currently following up on results of successful projects.

The Regional District is waiting for an announcement form the Green and Inclusive Communities Building for a second intake. The Regional District is monitoring other funding options.

4. Procurement – Detailed Design

In December 2020, to advance the design for the REC-REATE project to the approved revised option and to have a project ready for construction, the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) hired Make Projects to assist with the development of a Request for Proposals (RFP). SRD Engineering Services and Make Projects worked together to have the RFP posted in January 2021. Following evaluation and scoring of the RFP 04-21 submissions, the evaluation committee is of the opinion that HCMA Architecture submitted the best proposal and represent the best overall value to the Regional District. The revised option is a scaled-down ask that focuses on the project’s new aquatic space, revitalization of the central area, weight room and rehabilitation/wellness space (ice facilities are excluded). Other consultants such as an arborist, surveyor, geotechnical, traffic, cost consultant, and construction manager have been hired to support the detailed design.

5. Detailed Design

HCMA and the subconsultant team started the detailed design to complete construction drawings. The Issued for tender drawings were submitted in August 2022. Communication with Island Health and the City of Campbell River will happen to have applications submitted and development permits in place. The Regional District will apply for a Building Permit (BP) once the project obtains funding.

6. Tendering

An Invitation to Tender will be developed by the Regional District to invite general contractors to bid for the construction of new and renovation spaces. This tendering stage is subject to funding.

7. Construction

The selected General Contractor and sub-contractor team will proceed with the supply of materials, equipment, and labor to build the project. Construction will be phased to maintain operations in existing areas of the facility. This construction stage is subject to funding.