INFORMATION RELEASE

Your community. Your facilities. Your voice.

Help shape the future of the Similkameen Ice and Sport Court Arena and Community Pool.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is inviting residents in Electoral Areas "B" and "G" and the Village of Keremeos to help shape the future of recreation by participating in a survey about the Similkameen Ice and Sport Court Arena and Community Pool.

To complete the survey, visit rdosregionalconnections.ca. The survey is open until Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Paper copies are available upon request.

Local engagement opportunities

Residents are also invited to meet with RDOS Recreation staff over the next few weeks to ask questions and learn more about the project at the following community engagement opportunities:

Stay informed

Project information and updates will be posted on the Similkameen Ice and Sport Court Arena and Community Pool project page  at rdosregionalconnections.ca.

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
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.

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.