REC-REATE Project Updates
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December 2025 Aquatic & Wellness Centre Construction Update
Construction continues to advance across the new site!
- Structural steel detailing is nearing completion, exterior wall construction is underway, and roof assemblies are progressing.
- Concrete masonry walls in the technical areas are complete, with change room walls close behind.
- Major milestones for all pools have been achieved, and installation of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and pool systems is now well underway.
- Scaffolding is in place to support interior work, while painting of structural elements and construction of bleachers and slide access stairs continue.
December 2025 Phase 2 Arena Project Update
Thank you to everyone who has shared — and continues to share — their views on Phase Two of the REC-REATE project. The Strathcona Gardens Commission has heard a wide range of perspectives, and all input is being carefully considered.
“We appreciate the time and thought the community has put into sharing their feedback,” said Susan Sinnott, Chair of the Strathcona Gardens Commission. “Our role is to consider this input alongside operational realities, financial sustainability, and the long-term needs of the region.”
As this thorough review continues, we ask residents to allow the process to unfold before drawing conclusions. The SRD also wants to reassure ice users that there will be no impacts to the 2025–26 ice season while the Commission completes its work. Recognizing the need for long-term planning, the Commission will share further information as soon as it is available.
This pause ensures decisions provide the greatest long-term value for the region while balancing both current and future arena needs.
Updates will be shared through SRD’s official channels once next steps are determined. View the full news release at srd.ca/news
November 2025 Project Update: Construction Progress
The project continues to make progress across all areas of the facility.
Recent highlights include:
- Structural steel and Q-deck installation have been completed in all zones.
- Steel stud framing, roofing, and concrete masonry wall construction are underway.
- Pool piping under the slab is progressing in the hot, wellness, leisure, and lap pools.
- The pool slide platform and access stairs are currently underway.
- Mechanical and electrical piping and equipment installations are advancing in the technical corridor.
September 2025 Project Update: Construction Progress
Our new building is starting to take shape!
- Plumbing installations, slab-on-grade, and above-grade structures in the change rooms are underway.
- Backfilling, compaction, and trenching for piping in the hot, wellness, leisure, and lap pools are in progress.
- Masonry work, along with pool, electrical, and mechanical piping in the lower-level service corridor, is progressing smoothly.
- Q-deck installation continues, preparing the base for the pool roof system
July 2025 Project Update: Construction Progress
We are excited to see so much progress being made on the REC-REATE Aquatic and Wellness Centre construction project.
- Foundations and pool walls are complete, including slab-on-grade at the basement level.
- Current work includes suspended slab construction for the lap, leisure, hot, and wellness pools, along with backfilling, exterior waterproofing, and perimeter drainage installations.
- Next up: Structural steel erection and continued slab-on-grade work with integrated mechanical and electrical systems.
April 2025 Project Update: Construction Progress
Exciting progress is happening. The REC-REATE Aquatic and Wellness Centre construction continues below grade across all pool areas:
- East, west, and south walls at the lap and leisure pools have been built.
- Sub-base prep and north wall construction are next
- Work has started on the hot and wellness pools
- Exterior work includes drainage installation, waterproofing, and insulation of exterior walls
We’re building something incredible for our community!
March 2025 Project Update: Construction Progress
Significant progress is being made at Strathcona Gardens with the REC-REATE Project!
- All exterior foundations, columns, and walls have been poured.
- Construction of the lap pool has begun, with formwork and concrete placement for footings and walls well underway.
- Additionally, mechanical and electrical rough-ins and backfilling are in progress.
January 2025 Project Update: Construction Progress
Big things are happening with the REC-REATE Aquatic and Wellness Project! 🎉
✅ Construction Progress:
- Multiple footings and sections of basement walls have been formed and poured.
🔧 What’s next?
- Work continues on foundations, basement walls, and plumbing installations in the coming weeks!
REMINDER – The pool and arenas remain open throughout construction! Check out our programming and upcoming events in our Recreation Guide.
Emergency Services Access Plan During REC-REATE Construction
Access for emergency services to Strathcona Gardens during our REC-REATE construction project is essential to respond effectively to incidents, protect workers and facility patrons, and comply with safety regulations.
We want to reassure the community that emergency vehicle access will be maintained throughout the construction process, particularly if the Pinecrest entrance is blocked for any reason. Emergency services will use the designated construction entrance to ensure uninterrupted access to our facility. This plan has been reviewed and accepted by the City of Campbell River’s Engineering, Transportation, and Fire Departments to ensure all safety and operational requirements are met.
The SRD is pleased to continue to keep Strathcona Gardens open during construction, and appreciate your patience as we enhance our community facilities.
December 2024 Project Update: Construction Progress
Significant progress has been achieved this month!
Demolition Work: The front yard, pool slide, fitness area, and chemical rooms have been successfully demolished, clearing the way for the completion of bulk excavation in the change room area.
Civil Infrastructure: A key milestone was reached with the new water main line now connected to both City infrastructure and the facility. Additional civil work, including the installation of sewer and stormwater systems, is ongoing.
Structural Work: Construction of footings, walls, and columns at the basement level is well underway. This phase is on track for completion by Spring 2025, setting the stage for the next critical milestone: the installation of structural steel.
The SRD is excited to see this project progressing as planned and we look forward to sharing further updates in the new year!
Pool Closure: November 18 & 19
TEMPORARY CLOSURE: Our leisure pool and hot tub will be closed on Monday, November 18th and Tuesday, November 19th, as we relocate some piping to make way for the new Aquatic Centre REC-REATE construction. The Main Pool, Sauna, Steam Room, and Showers will stay open as usual during this time!
November 2024 Project Update: Construction Progress
Exciting progress is happening on-site! Here’s the latest:
- Our temporary chemical room relocation is done and officially approved by relevant authorities
- Watermain connection to the City has been completed
- Demolition of the northwest wing is in full swing, set to wrap up in the next couple of weeks
- Excavation for the new aquatic centere is ongoing, and we’re thrilled to watch it take shape!
Thank you for your patience as we enhance our community facilities!
Pool Closure: October 7 to 14
All We are happy to announce that we’ve completed the relocation of our chemical room that will allow our pool facilities to remain open during the construction of our new aquatic and wellness centre. In cooperation with health and safety officials, we are diligently working on completing the regulatory requirements needed to ensure our pools are once again safe to use. As a result, the pool re-opening will be delayed until Tuesday, October 15th at 10:00am. We thank you for your patience, and our arenas are still open for family fun over the long weekend.
October 2024 Project Update: Construction Progress
We’re thrilled to share the latest developments on the Strathcona Gardens construction project:
✅ The General Contractor is officially on site! All temporary facilities and signage are up and ready to guide you.
✅ Civil work to improve access to the facility is complete.
✅ The pool slide has been successfully decommissioned and removed.
🔧 Detailed excavation for the pool’s foundation is currently in progress.
🏗️ Temporary chemical room installations are underway, with relocation expected to be completed by October 11th.
Thank you for your patience as we enhance our community facilities!
Exciting News!
Construction on our new Aquatic & Wellness Centre has officially started!
Members of the Strathcona Gardens Commission perform the ceremonial first dig, officially marking the start of construction. (From L to R – Commissioners Cal Grunerud, Ron Kerr, Susan Sinnott (Chair), John Rice (Vice-Chair), and Kermit Dahl).
The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) celebrated a significant milestone on September 10, 2024, with the groundbreaking ceremony for the highly anticipated REC-REATE project. The event took place at Strathcona Gardens on the future site of the new aquatic centre, officially marking the commencement of construction for this major community enhancement project. Read more at RecreateSG.ca/news
After years of community and government support, we are excited to finally break ground on this exciting project. We understand there will be some changes and adjustments needed by the public as we watch the new building take shape, and we hope you can use this page to find information and answer your questions.
See below for the parking map and information on what to expect or Download the Public Information Bulletin.
Parking Information:
- Space is needed for the construction crew, equipment, and materials for this large project, so a portion of the parking lot near Dogwood will be closed, including the parking lot entrance along Dogwood St.
- All vehicle access will be directed to the Pinecrest Road entrance, east of the Rod Brind ‘Amour Arena.
- Parking will be limited, so we encourage facility users to carpool and use public transit when possible. Please be courteous to surrounding businesses and avoid parking in lots meant for their customers.
- You can still access the building from all of the usual entrances.
While we understand this will be an inconvenience for some, the end result will be fantastic!
Construction will last for 30 months. Once the new pool is ready, the existing pool will be decommissioned to make room for the new wellness centre, which will include a large fitness area and wellness spaces. We will do our best to avoid disruptions to facility programming and will provide as much notice as possible for any temporary closures.
Still have questions?
Strathcona Gardens: Questions about facility hours, programs, lessons, registration, events, or general information, please contact us or give us a call at 250-830-6777.
The REC-REATE Project: Our project website recreatesg.ca has the design plans, general FAQs, and overall project information. For further details or project-specific questions, please e-mail recreatesg@srd.ca or call 250-830-6700.
Stay Informed: Notices will be posted onsite and sent via our enewsletter/alerts so make sure you sign-up to receive updates and join us in watching the new pool take shape: