Next steps for reimagining recreation services in Castlegar & District
By Regional District of Central Kootenay
On Oct. 19, 2023, it was announced by the City of Castlegar and the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK), Pioneer Arena in Castlegar will close for public use at the end of the 2023-2024 ice operating season. Originally opened in 1957, Pioneer Arena has long served the community. It was the first indoor ice surface in Castlegar and since the construction of the Castlegar & District Community Complex has served as a secondary ice surface.
The Castlegar & District Recreation Commission (City of Castlegar, Electoral Areas I & J) understand this news has raised concerns for many user groups and residents. A call for proposals has been issued to solicit the services of a consultant to assist the Commission with a public engagement process to collect feedback on reimagining recreation at the Castlegar & District Community Complex. The process will identify what services and what level of services the community feels would provide the highest public benefit to the region. This process is expected to get underway in January 2024.
“While the closure of Pioneer Arena is a challenging situation, having the community voice the importance of these services and ultimately what services they want to support in the community is critically important,” said Sue Heaton-Sherstobitoff, Castlegar & District Recreation Commission Chair. “Our focus now shifts to future and the Commission encourages the public to be actively involved in the upcoming process.”
The complete request for proposal document can be found here.
Once a consultant is confirmed and the full public engagement process is underway, the community will have several different ways to actively participate in this process and a full engagement platform will be established. Anyone wishing to share their thoughts prior to this public process commencing are encouraged to email communityservices@rdck.bc.ca.
Once confirmed, the RDCK will update the public in the new year to outline the public engagement timeline.
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