Reimagining Recreation Services in the Castlegar & District Area

Project Update: Castlegar & District Community Complex Facility Enhancement

The Castlegar & District Recreation Commission is in the planning stages for a potential secondary indoor arena and walking track at the Castlegar & District Community Complex.

Since June, staff have been reviewing current bylaws, developing funding models, and working with HCMA Architecture + Design to create concept designs and cost estimates for the proposed project.

At the October 17, 2025 RDCK Board meeting, the Board approved proposed amendments to the existing Service Bylaws S222 and S227. The Board also approved the development of a new service establishment bylaw and a loan authorization bylaw that would fund the construction and asset renewal of a secondary indoor arena and walking track. The new service bylaw would include residents of the City of Castlegar and Electoral Area J, while ongoing operations and maintenance would continue under the current service bylaw (S222), which includes Castlegar, Area J, and Area I residents. The new service bylaw can only move forward if it’s approved by voters through a referendum.

The potential project is guided by feedback from the Reimagining Recreation engagement process, where residents of Castlegar and Area J identified a secondary indoor arena and walking track as the top priorities for a new recreation amenity at the Castlegar & District Community Complex.

The RDCK has also submitted a $7 million Strategic Priorities Fund (SPF) grant application to support the funding for a potential secondary indoor arena and walking track. The timeline for a decision related to the grant application is currently undetermined.

No final decisions have been made, and residents will be consulted before the new service establishment and loan authorization bylaws can be adopted. The RDCK and the Castlegar & District Recreation Commission remain in the planning and information-gathering stage and are committed to keeping the community informed as planning, design, and funding discussions progress.

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Reimagining Recreation Engagement

The Reimagining Recreation public engagement project invited residents from Castlegar and Areas I and J to share their ideas for the future of recreation services. Through three phases of engagement, including community meetings, resident and group surveys, and follow-up consultations, the RDCK gathered input on what enhancements and amenities are most important, both at the Castlegar & District Community Complex and throughout the wider area.

The process helped identify community priorities, assess willingness to fund improvements, and guide future planning to ensure the Complex continues to grow as a vibrant community hub. The final report summarizing all feedback and findings can be read here.

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Questions? Contact us at communications@rdck.bc.ca.