INFORMATION RELEASE

Your community. Your facilities. Your voice.
Help shape the future of the Similkameen Ice Arena and Community Pool.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is launching community engagement this summer on the future of the Similkameen Ice Arena and Community Pool. Community input will help inform planning and support future decision-making.

Residents in Electoral Areas “B” and “G” and the Village of Keremeos will be invited to share feedback on potential next steps and future options for the Similkameen Ice Arena and Community Pool. Stay informed of any updates by following the Similkameen Pool & Ice Arena Community Engagement project page at rdosregionalconnections.ca.

Planning for the future of recreation facilities
The Similkameen Ice Arena and Community Pool are aging facilities that have well surpassed their typical service life and will cease to operate any year now. The pool was built in 1971, and the arena was built in 1988. In order for both facilities to continue to play an important role in supporting recreation, health, and community connection in the Similkameen, replacements will be required.

The RDOS has been working for several years to review long-term options for recreation facilities in the Lower Similkameen. Previous planning work explored future options for the arena and pool. At this stage, no decisions have been made. Further analysis, engagement, and due diligence will inform future recommendations to the Regional Board.

Community input will guide next steps
The upcoming engagement process will focus on gathering feedback on realistic, community-supported, and cost-effective options. The RDOS will share a summary of what was heard with the community following the engagement process on the project page.

Community input will help to:

• Identify priorities for recreation services
• Highlight what is most important to residents and user groups
• Inform future options and long-term planning

Engagement opportunities begin summer 2026
Public engagement is expected to begin in mid-July and will include a range of opportunities to participate:

• Online survey (paper surveys available in select locations or upon request)
• Open house at the Similkameen Recreation Centre (details coming soon)
• Pop-up engagement opportunities at community events and community locations
• Direct outreach to local user groups and partners
• Updates through the RDOS Regional Connections project page

Information will also be shared through mailouts, social media, local advertising, and postings in community locations to help ensure residents are aware of opportunities to participate.

Working with project partners
The RDOS is working with Carscadden Stokes McDonald Architects to support the feasibility study and community engagement process. 

Stay informed
More information, including engagement dates and survey details, will be shared in the coming weeks through the RDOS Regional Connections project page, RDOS website, social media channels and local advertising and community notices.

For further information, please contact RDOS Communications.

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Mark Pendergraft, Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen 

Contacts:
RDOS Communications
250-490-4148
Toll-free 1-877-610-3737

Project background
In 2021, the RDOS determined the Similkameen Recreation Centre’s outdoor ice rink was reaching its operational end of life due to deteriorating brine lines and would likely reach critical failure any year now. The RDOS worked with a consultant to evaluate arena replacement possibilities and costs, and explored options for potential enhancements and future on-site development. 

The project goals included elevating the user experience of the outdoor arena, improving the multi-functional, year-round arena, and meeting the needs and expectations of the growing community.

The project consultant, Carscadden Stokes McDonald Architects Inc., provided the report to RDOS staff on July 3, 2024. To view the full arena replacement report, please visit the Similkameen Recreation Centre Arena Replacement project page at rdosregionalconnections.ca.