Campbell River, British Columbia – The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) has completed its Alternative Approval Process (AAP) for the proposed redevelopment of the Rod Brind’Amour Arena at the Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex, marking an important milestone in one of the region’s largest community infrastructure projects to date. The results indicate broad support for the plan while highlighting strong public engagement and diverse perspectives from local residents.
The AAP, launched on July 25, 2025, sought voter approval for Bylaw No. 607, which proposed borrowing up to $57.1 million to fund the next phase of the REC-REATE Project. The process closed on September 22, 2025, after a two-month consultation period that invited eligible voters from Campbell River and Area D to submit opposition forms if they did not support the borrowing bylaw.
In total, 1,813 electors, representing 5.5 percent of eligible voters, filed opposition forms—well below the 10 percent threshold required to block the borrowing. Under the AAP framework, if fewer than 10 percent of eligible electors submit formal opposition, the borrowing bylaw is considered approved without proceeding to a full referendum.
At its meeting on October 22, the SRD Board of Directors reviewed the results and acknowledged the high level of participation compared with previous phases of the project. Board members emphasized that community input will continue to shape the path forward as the SRD works toward modernizing the aging recreation facility.
“We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to submit the response forms,” said SRD Chair Mark Baker. “The feedback we received shows how deeply people care about Strathcona Gardens and its future. We’ve heard a mix of opinions, and we’ll be taking the time needed to carefully review our options before moving forward.”
A Community Investment Decades in the Making
The Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex has served as a cornerstone of community life in Campbell River for decades, offering programs, recreation, and sporting events for residents across the region. The REC-REATE Project, which began nearly ten years ago, was established to renew and modernize the complex while ensuring it remains inclusive and accessible for future generations.
Phase Two of the project, known as the Rod Brind’Amour Redevelopment, aims to transform the existing arena into a multi-purpose facility that supports health, wellness, and sport for people of all ages and abilities. The planned upgrades are expected to include improved spectator areas, energy-efficient systems, expanded programming space, and enhanced accessibility features.
The SRD emphasized that the borrowing bylaw and project scope are the result of extensive community planning and technical assessments. Over the years, local residents, sports organizations, accessibility advocates, and municipal partners have contributed input through surveys, open houses, and advisory sessions.
Strong Community Engagement
Officials noted that participation in the AAP was significantly higher than during Phase One of the REC-REATE Project, reflecting a growing public interest in how large infrastructure projects are financed and delivered. The range of feedback—from strong support to cautious skepticism—illustrates both the community’s investment in the project and its desire for transparency in decision-making.
The SRD Board stated that it will take additional time to analyze public feedback before taking the next formal steps.
“As part of this continued careful approach, and following adoption of the borrowing bylaw, the Board of Directors has chosen to take additional time to thoughtfully consider the feedback received during the AAP process,” the release stated. “This will help ensure the project provides the greatest long-term value for the community while balancing current and future needs for arena space.”
Next Steps
With the borrowing bylaw approved through the AAP, the SRD Board will now evaluate design options, funding schedules, and procurement processes before construction begins. The project remains a top infrastructure priority for the region, but officials have emphasized that progress will continue cautiously to ensure fiscal responsibility.
Once complete, the redevelopment is expected to deliver a revitalized community hub capable of supporting a growing population and attracting regional events. The upgraded Strathcona Gardens complex is envisioned as a model of accessibility and sustainability, combining recreation with community connection.
Community members interested in following the project’s progress can stay informed through SRD’s website at srd.ca, sign up for email updates, or follow SRD’s social media channels. Detailed design concepts and project background information are available at RecreateSG.ca.
The SRD says it remains committed to transparent communication throughout the next stages of planning. For residents, the process serves as an example of how public input can shape major infrastructure decisions while balancing ambition, fiscal prudence, and community benefit.
