1. Draft Indoor Recreation Facilities Master Plan
Comox Valley Regional District
June 2017

2. Introduction Purpose of Plan
To meet emerging recreational priorities and needs for the next 10 years and beyond
Vision
To provide indoor recreational facilities that, in combination with the local municipal facilities, support the pursuit of healthy active lifestyles in the Comox Valley

3. Community Overview Demographic Profile
Population 66,527 - projected to 73,715 in 10 years
55 to 75 age cohort will increase from 27% to 31% of population; over 75 group increasing from 11% to 15%. Almost 50% of population will be over 55 in ten years.
Implications for Indoor Recreation
Aquatic rehab Arena use
Pickleball Organized sport Specialized fitness High intensity fitness
Service level expectations

4. Recreation Trends Wellness and Chronic disease prevention Aquatics
Tennis, Pickleball
Children & youth inactivity
Physical literacy
Programming for busy people
Expanded use of technology
Partnerships

5. Community Engagement Online Survey – 576 respondents Focus Groups (6)
Community Workshops (2)
Key Informant Interviews (7)
Open House (June 15)
Social Media, website

6. Community Input – What Needs Improvement
Sports Centre
Limited hours for pool use, too small, aging facility
Arena 1 inconsistent ice; uncomfortable seating; small female change rooms; insufficient ice time (both arenas)
Lobby and front office poorly laid out, not welcoming
Concession –not enough hours, poorly located
Wellness centre – too small; needs more equipment
Lack of adequate transit service

7. Community Input – What Needs Improvement
Aquatic Centre
Pools too crowded
Fitness studio too small
Parking issues
Needs concession
Curling Centre
Social areas need improvement (lounge, bar, banquet room)

8. Facility Priorities (from Community)
Upgrade Sports Centre pool
Expand fitness studio and wellness centre space
Additional ice
Enhance and add concessions
Expand parking at Aquatic Centre
More Pickleball facilities
Indoor Tennis Centre
Full size gym
Covered or indoor track

9. Facility Assessments Comox Valley Sports Centre
Multi-use facility – pool, arenas, wellness centre and multipurpose rooms
Could use improved layout and some potential enhancements:
better circulation, enhanced lobby and concession,
arena bucket seating
leisure pool amenities
wellness centre addition

10. Facility Assessments (Continued)
Comox Valley Aquatic Centre
Aquatic facilities - leisure and lap pools
Good accessibility
Well maintained
Fitness area too small and away from reception

11. Facility Assessments (Continued)
Curling Centre
Owned by CVRD, leased to Comox Valley Curling Club
Recently renovated ( )
New ice and envelope upgrades, accessible lift and washrooms
Improvements to support spaces could be considered

12. Draft Recommendations (Capital)
Sports Centre
Plan for enhancements to the pool to provide a better experience for the users, resulting in greater attendance. Potential improvements include expanded change rooms & universal change rooms, addition of natural light and some “leisure pool” elements.
Improve spectator seating in Arena 1, and improve accessibility in both arenas.
Create a welcoming and functional lobby area, with enhanced concession and gathering spaces.
Expansion to the Wellness Centre to accommodate sport training and offer additional equipment

13. Sports Centre

14. Draft Recommendations (Capital)
Aquatic Centre
Convert the fitness studio back into meeting space, combining it with existing meeting room for a larger, adaptable space.
Develop a new Fitness Centre at the front of the building, across from the pool change rooms allowing for better control and a more functional and larger fitness space.

15. Aquatic Centre

16. Draft Recommendations (Capital)
Curling Centre
Recognizing that the Curling Club is responsible for improvements:
Add windows to the banquet room and improve bar and lounge area for better functionality.
Renovate both kitchens.
Add a storage room for ice-making equipment to exterior of building.

17. Curling Centre

18. Draft Recommendations (Capital)
New Facilities
Develop an indoor tennis and pickleball facility in partnership with local clubs and the School District
Review opportunities for an additional ice surface through a public/public or public/private partnership

19. Draft Recommendations (Operational)
Work with Exhibition Grounds group to develop options for indoor recreational facilities (e.g. soccer, track, pickleball).
Discuss opportunities with 19 Wing Comox Base for improved access to their facilities.
Set up a taskforce to look at options for an indoor tennis & pickleball facility, including funding options. .

20. Draft Recommendations (Operational)
Investigate feasibility of a “single pass” for all regional and municipal facilities.
Work with the City of Courtenay, the Town of Comox and the Village of Cumberland in the development of a Cultural Master Plan for the preservation and enhancement of arts and culture facilities and programs in the Comox Valley.
Continue implementation of Corporate Energy Plan recommendations

21. Next Steps Community Open House – June 15
Revisions to Plan based on Board and public input
Develop Implementation Plan – priorities, timing, costs
Final Report