Renewing Recreation in the Strathcona Regional District
Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex is more than just a building. It is a well-used recreational hub owned and operated by the Strathcona Regional District (SRD) that contributes to the health and well-being of residents within the City of Campbell River, Electoral Area D and surrounding areas. It provides countless personal, social, and economic benefits to the public and is an integral part of building strong communities.
Key components of Strathcona Gardens were constructed in the 1970s. Through studies and feedback from the public, we know that the facility is aging and is in need of renewal. To ensure that the facility continues to meet the needs of our communities now and into the future, the SRD has embarked on a project called REC-REATE Strathcona Gardens.
The goal of REC-REATE is to renew the facility to address aging components and to deliver recreation services that the community desires in an exciting, sustainable, safe and inclusive environment.
See all the exciting features you can look forward to enjoying! Phase 1 and Phase 2 design plans are available.
New Aquatic Centre FAQs
The last day in our current pool will be on Friday, September 25. Stay tuned for plans about our farewell celebration after 47 years of operation! Have old photos to share? E-mail them to marketing@srd.ca
Mechanically, both pools could be open at the same time, however our staff teams will require extensive safety and rescue response training. We simply do not have enough staff to complete both training for the new and operating the old facility at the same time.
Public tours in the new facility will begin on October 13. Please subscribe to our new Strathcona Events newsletter at srd.ca/sgnews to be the first to hear about pool access opportunities!
Monthly passes are on hold for the month of October. Fees will not be charged again until we are able to provide our full schedule. Single drop-in, 10-visit and Life Passes will continue to be accepted as methods of payment to the new aquatic centre.
More information on the registration process is coming soon in early October. We know our community will be so excited to use the new aquatic centre, but the new facility has a temporary capacity limited to 200 participants. This is due to the Health Regulations related to the number of changing facilities currently available. Please see the FAQ below related to changing facilities.
Our aquatic centre will open in October with two universal change areas. Private change cubicles will be in place, but we expect high demand, so you may have to wait for a changing stall. Some participants may wish to come and leave in their swim wear.
Once the existing pool is decommissioned, construction on a third change area will begin and the three permanent change rooms (Mens, Womens, and Universal) will be in place for Summer 2027.
Click the image to view a helpful Q & A on our new universal change spaces.
Great news! Lockers are now included in your visit, and quarters are no longer necessary. Our new lockers operate on a 4-digit pin code that you will set once you are ready to lock. When returning to your locker, you will punch in your 4-digit code to unlock it, at which time the code erases for the next user.
The new minimum age to swim without a parent in the water with a child is 8. All children ages 0-7 must have a parent or caregiver within arms reach in the water with them.
The new minimum height to ride the waterslide is 48” and maximum weight is 265lbs. This is set by waterslide manufacturers and regulated by Technical Safety BC.
All outdoor shoes will be removed in the designated area after reception, before entering the change rooms. Only clean indoor footwear is permitted in the change rooms or on the pool deck. Bring your pool shoes or go barefoot!
A new temporary entrance and reception desk for pool programs will be open from the parking area in front of the new aquatic centre. Look for the signage along the construction fencing and on the new entrance doors.
Our existing reception desk will continue to be used for arenas, studio fitness, and non-aquatic rehabilitation programs. The old front entrance will be closed, please access reception via the Arena 2 or Pinecrest road access doors.
The work is far from over! Phase 1 of the REC-REATE project also includes an incredible new Wellness Centre for fitness and rehabilitation. We also have one more change room and a new “Social Heart” coming with a reception desk and meeting rooms! We expect this to be complete in the Summer of 2027.
A New Era for Strathcona Gardens: Third Arena Approved
The Strathcona Gardens Commission has approved a THIRD sheet of ice as part of the REC-REATE Phase Two project! A strong partnership between the SRD and the City of Campbell River is helping shape the future of recreation in our community.
The updated plan responds to community feedback and will:
Add a third arena at Strathcona Gardens
Expand capacity for programs, tournaments, and events
Keep both existing arenas open during construction
Increase parking capacity to approximately 500 stalls, including additional parking at Pinecrest Park
Stay within the approved project budget with no additional borrowing required
