By Grant Warkentin
It’s official: Campbell River will be getting a third sheet of ice at Strathcona Gardens during the upcoming rebuild.
It won’t cost anything extra beyond what’s already been approved for the REC-REATE overhaul underway at the Gardens.
“This is a tremendous and long-anticipated step forward for recreation in our region,” said Susan Sinnott, chair of the Strathcona Gardens Commission, in a statement. “Thank you to our community for their valuable feedback and patience, and to the dedicated SRD and city staff, whose hard work and strategic thinking brought us to this point.
“By pausing to strengthen the plan and carrying forward key elements of the existing design, we can enhance the Rod Brind’Amour Arena and add a third ice sheet—building on a strong foundation while meeting the growing needs of our community.”
The Strathcona Standard reported in March that a third ice sheet was under consideration, thanks to input from the local minor hockey community. Today, the city and Strathcona Regional District confirmed that part of the parking lot will be turned into a third arena and ice sheet.
“Following significant community feedback on the initial Phase Two concept, the Strathcona Gardens Commission revisited the approach,” says the statement. “In collaboration with the City of Campbell River, a revised solution was identified – one that better reflects community priorities while balancing operational needs and long-term financial sustainability.”
Parking lot spaces swapped
The city says the expansion is possible because of the integration of city-owned lands at Pinecrest Park into the project, which will add 370 new off-site parking stalls within the park to make up for the lost spaces at the Gardens. The new parking lot will be connected to the Gardens via a well-lit pedestrian walkway, approximately 220 metres in length, through the trail system from Pinecrest Park adjacent to the RCMP building.
On-site parking at the Gardens will also be improved. The parking plan includes dedicated spaces for accessible parking, priority parking, buses, deliveries, and passenger pick-up and drop-off activities.
In total, there will be 500 parking spaces available across both locations.
No disruption to ice users
The city and regional district say arena construction will happen in phases so both existing arenas can remain fully operational during construction of the third sheet, minimizing disruption to user groups and the public.
“This builds on the successful phased delivery of the new aquatic centre, where services were maintained throughout construction,” says the statement.
The project will now move into detailed design, with completion anticipated in spring 2029.
For more information, visit the official project page.
IN QUOTES: What ice users think
Campbell River Minor Hockey: Sean Taylor, First Vice President
“We support this project 100%. Looking forward to the shovels in the ground. It’s amazing that something worked out, something we needed since I played hockey as a kid. Our 660 members will be very happy.”
Campbell River Figure Skating Club: Kelsey Cochrane, Vice President
“We’re in support of the new ice sheet and looking forward to using it all year. A third rink is amazing. This is great for all users, and we’re happy that everyone gets what they need as our community continues to grow. No one is left behind.”
CR Women’s Hockey League (CRWHL): Kellie Hogue, Treasurer
“As a director, player and the representative for the CRWHL, I can say that our League is absolutely thrilled at the current prospect of a third sheet of ice in Campbell River. We can’t thank those involved enough for listening to the users and coming back with everything we have been asking for; No loss of ice time and at the same expense we are already working with… what more could we ask for? We will back this project 100%! We can’t wait to see the drawings!”
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