CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C. — The Strathcona Regional District has marked the completion of its new Strathcona Gardens Aquatic Centre with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, advancing a multi-year recreation infrastructure renewal project serving Campbell River and surrounding communities.
The ceremony was held Sept. 29 and brought together members of the Strathcona Gardens Commission, First Nations representatives, community partners, facility user groups and invited guests. The event included a blessing by the Ligwiltach Elders and Youth Culture Group, official remarks, a ribbon cutting and tours of the new aquatic facility.
New Aquatic Centre Marks Major REC-REATE Milestone
“This is about much more than the completion of a new building. It is about creating a place where people of every age and ability can come together to swim, compete, rehabilitate, learn, play and most importantly, build community,” said Strathcona Gardens Commission Chair Susan Sinnott. “On behalf of the Commission, I also want to recognize the current and former Commission and SRD Board members who helped move this vision forward over many years, along with our staff at Strathcona Gardens and the SRD Corporate Office who dedicated countless hours to planning and coordinating this project. Based on community feedback, it was important to us to keep the existing pool open and services running throughout construction, and our staff worked incredibly hard to make that possible. This has truly been a team effort, and we are incredibly proud to see this vision become a reality.”
Strathcona Gardens has served the region for more than five decades. Its original arena opened in 1972, followed by the main swimming pool in 1979.
Planning to renew the aging recreation complex began more than a decade ago through the REC-REATE community engagement and planning process. Construction on Phase 1 started in September 2024, with the new Aquatic Centre delivered on time and on budget despite pressures from rising construction costs and supply-chain challenges.
Expanded Recreation, Wellness and Accessibility Features
The new centre is designed to expand recreation, health and wellness opportunities for residents across different age groups and abilities.
Pools, Waterslide and Accessible Facilities Added
The facility includes an eight-lane, 25-metre lap pool equipped with a one-metre springboard and climbing wall. A leisure pool offers beach entry, a splash area for young children and a lazy river, while separate wellness and hot pools provide additional options for rehabilitation and relaxation.
Other amenities include a waterslide, sauna and steam room, along with improved universal and accessible change facilities.
Accessibility and inclusion were incorporated throughout the design, with upgrades intended to make the centre easier to navigate and use for people with different abilities.
The expanded aquatic infrastructure will accommodate swimming lessons and recreational swimming as well as competitive training, rehabilitation, therapy, fitness and wellness programming.
First Public Swim Scheduled for October 29
Although construction is complete, the Strathcona Regional District is awaiting required Island Health operating permits before opening the pools to swimmers.
Staff are using the remaining period to complete operational preparations, including specialized lifeguard training and other safety readiness measures.
Public tours of the Aquatic Centre are scheduled to begin Oct. 13, allowing residents to explore and photograph the facility before regular operations begin. Registration for those tours opens Oct. 5.
The first public swim is scheduled for Oct. 29, subject to the required operating approvals.
Fitness and Wellness Centre Planned for Summer 2027
Completion of the pools does not mark the end of the broader REC-REATE redevelopment.
The next portion of Phase 1 will convert the former pool area into a new Fitness and Wellness Centre. Plans call for an expanded fitness centre, dedicated physiotherapy and rehabilitation areas, gendered change rooms, additional multi-purpose spaces, an expanded reception and social area, and further accessibility improvements.
The Fitness and Wellness Centre is expected to be completed in summer 2027.
Phase 2 is then planned to include a new third arena, expanded parking and improved access to the Strathcona Gardens complex. That work is anticipated to be completed in summer 2029.
The phased redevelopment represents a long-term modernization of one of the region’s established recreation facilities, with the new Aquatic Centre providing the first major completed component after more than a decade of planning and two years of construction.