CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C. — The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) is urging patience as it continues to assess community feedback on Phase Two of its REC-REATE project, the proposed redevelopment of the Rod Brind’Amour Arena. The regional district says it has received a high volume of public input over recent weeks, reflecting deep community interest in the future of the Strathcona Gardens recreation complex.
In a statement issued Dec. 11, the SRD thanked residents, arena users, and other stakeholders for taking time to share their perspectives on the multi-year recreation renewal project. Officials say public engagement has been robust and wide-ranging, spanning formal submissions, in-person presentations, online comments, social-media discussions, and input gathered through community-led websites.
“We appreciate the time and thought the community has put into sharing their perspectives,” said Susan Sinnott, Chair of the Strathcona Gardens Commission. “The Commission’s responsibility is to carefully consider this feedback alongside operational realities, financial sustainability, and the long-term needs of arena users and the region as a whole. Taking the time to do this work thoroughly is essential.”
The redevelopment of the Rod Brind’Amour Arena, a facility central to local ice sports and community events, is the next major component of REC-REATE, the SRD’s long-term plan to modernize Strathcona Gardens. Phase One—focused on accessibility upgrades and aquatic centre improvements—has already advanced, and the arena project represents a significant next step.
SRD officials say they have heard a broad spectrum of opinions on the proposed designs and plans. Some residents have expressed strong support for modernizing the arena to meet long-term demand and improve user experience. Others have raised questions or suggested alternative approaches, prompting the Commission to take additional time to evaluate options.
While the district is not releasing details of specific proposals under review, it emphasized that all community input is being considered as part of the decision-making process. According to the SRD, this includes weighing user needs, technical requirements, and long-term financial impacts for the region.
The Commission is asking residents to refrain from drawing premature conclusions as the analysis moves forward. Officials described the current pause as necessary to ensure decisions are well-informed and grounded in the region’s long-term interests.
A key concern for many arena users—particularly minor hockey groups and figure skating clubs—has been the potential impact on ice availability during the review period. The SRD addressed those concerns directly, stating there will be no impact to the 2025–26 season while the Commission continues its work. This assurance is intended to give user groups stability as they plan their schedules and competitions for the year ahead.
The Commission’s review is expected to consider not only immediate operational issues but also the broader future of recreation services in Campbell River and surrounding communities. The SRD has consistently framed REC-REATE as an investment in infrastructure that will serve future generations, and officials reiterated that approach in their latest update.
“This pause ensures decisions provide the greatest long-term value for the region while balancing current and future arena needs,” the district stated.
As the process unfolds, the SRD says it will continue to communicate through its official channels, providing updates as new information becomes available. No timeline has yet been provided for next steps or final decisions on the arena redevelopment.
For now, regional officials are maintaining a steady message: community voices matter, options remain under review, and planning will proceed with both transparency and care.
