The new Aquatic Centre is now open for pre-registered drop-in swimming! Register 8 days in advance of each swim. For more information, visit our drop-in schedules page.
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Project Background
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.
Watch a video tour so you know what to expect when you arrive for your first pre-registered swim!
Aquatic Centre Information
Aquatic Centre FAQs
The last day in our current pool was on Friday, September 25. We had over 450 people come and join us for fun and games to say farewell!
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 were from October 13 to 15. We now have a video tour you can watch to know what to expect before you visit us for the first time! Our new facility is now open for pre-registered drop-in swimming, please see our drop-in schedules page.
Monthly passes were on hold for the month of October and will be re-instated on Monday, November 2 when our full pre-registered drop-in schedule begins. Single drop-in, 10-visit and Life Passes will continue to be accepted as methods of payment to the new aquatic centre.
We know the community is excited to use the new pool, and we expect demand to exceed our capacity limits for many swims. To help avoid patrons arriving early and waiting in line, we will continue to offer pre-registration for swims while they consistently reach capacity. As demand changes, we will adjust the registration process. For example, Fun Swims (where the climbing wall, diving board, lazy river, and all areas of the pool are open) may be the last program to move away from pre-registration. Our goal is to make accessing the pool as convenient and predictable as possible for our community while ensuring we stay within safe capacity limits.
Registration opens 8 days in advance of each swim, so set your reminders! For example, if you want to register for the Fun Swim on Thursday, October 29 at 6pm, registration will open on Sunday, October 21 at 6pm.
Register online on our drop-in schedules page. Looking to take advantage of our discounted family and caregiver rates? Call us at 250-830-6777 or visit us in person to register with our reception team.
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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.
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Our waterslide, sauna, and steam room are still completing there final installation, inspection, and permits. We open to open these areas for you in a few weeks!
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.
The new minimum age to use the sauna and steam room is 16 years old.
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
