Regional Recreation Services Planning

Background

The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) has been exploring how recreation services are planned, funded, and delivered across the region.

In 2024, the SRD completed a Regional Recreation Services Feasibility Study. The study reviewed existing services and considered whether changes could improve coordination and efficiency.

The study found that a single, region-wide recreation service is not appropriate at this time. However, it identified opportunities to explore more localized (sub-regional) approaches where communities have shared access, use, and benefit.

To better understand these opportunities, the SRD completed two additional facility-specific reviews:

• Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex, located in Campbell River, owned and operated by the SRD and currently funded by the City of Campbell River and Electoral Area D. 
• Kelsey Centre, located in Sayward, owned, operated, and funded by the Village of Sayward. 

On March 25, 2026, the SRD Board considered both facility reviews and their associated staff reports.

Strathcona Gardens Recreation Service

The Strathcona Gardens review looked at who uses the facility, how people access it, and where regional benefit exists. The analysis found that:

• Quadra Island residents have reliable access to Campbell River 
• Residents regularly use programs and services 
• The community receives measurable benefit from the facility 

Other nearby areas were found to have more limited access or lower participation and are not being considered for inclusion at this time.

On March 25, 2026, the SRD Board directed staff to prepare a bylaw for consideration to expand the service area. On April 29, 2026, the Board gave first, second, and third readings to Bylaw 643, which proposes to:

• Add Quadra Island (Electoral Area C) to the Strathcona Gardens recreation service 
• Set Quadra Island contributions at 80% of assessed property value 
• Set Electoral Area D contributions at 90% of assessed property value 
• The City of Campbell River will continue to contribute at 100% of assessed property value 

These proposed contribution levels reflect differences in proximity and ease of access to the facility.

At this time:

• No changes to the service area have been finalized 
• No tax changes are in effect 
• No action is required from residents 

Before any changes could take effect, additional steps would be required, including:

• Provincial review and approval of the proposed bylaw by the Inspector of Municipalities 
• Elector approval, which would be sought through a vote at the general local elections on October 17, 2026 
• Final adoption of the bylaw by the SRD Board

Kelsey Centre Recreation Service

The Kelsey Centre review examined how the facility serves the broader Sayward Valley. The analysis found that:

• The facility is used by residents from across the valley 
• Funding currently comes primarily from Village of Sayward taxpayers 

On March 25, 2026, the SRD Board referred the study to the Village of Sayward to confirm whether it is interested in exploring shared ownership, governance, or funding for the facility.

At this time:

• No service changes are being proposed 
• No funding changes have been established 
• No commitments have been made by the Village or the SRD 

Any future work depends on:

• Review and direction from the Village of Sayward 
• Further discussions between the Village and the SRD 

No timelines have been established.