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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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

Facility Assessments (Continued) Curling Centre Owned by CVRD, leased to Comox Valley Curling Club Recently renovated (2015-2016) New ice and envelope upgrades, accessible lift and washrooms Improvements to support spaces could be considered

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

Sports Centre

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.

Aquatic Centre

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.

Curling Centre

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

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. .

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

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