SEAPARC Recreation Centre is in line for some serious upgrades.
The Capital Regional District's financial committee has approved a loan authorization bylaw for $3.15 million to fund a heat recovery system at SEAPARC and the reconstruction of the skateboard park to modern standards.
Melanie Alsdorf, senior manager at SEAPARC Recreation Centre, said they are currently working with Polar Engineering on the initial design phase of the heat recovery system project.
"The overall idea is that we look to use excess heat generated from the arena refrigeration plant to heat other areas of the facility such as the pools, hot tub and domestic hot water," she explained. "This would translate to operational savings on fuel as well as water which is required to cool the refrigeration plant."
The skateboard park is currently at the end of its life, Alsdorf noted.
"Concept design (for the rebuild) is in the final phase following community engagement," she noted. "Approval of borrowing via this AAP (alternate approval process) is required to move to the next phase of detailed design and construction."
The geotechnical survey has been completed, and the existing flat surfaces do not contain rebar. While there is no option to build on top of the existing skate park, the concrete can be used as fill/base.
The project was timed to align with the end of life of several key components. The actual timing depends on the alternative approval process required to fund the next phases of detailed design and construction. The estimated timeline for construction is late 2025 to early 2026.
Sooke Mayor Maja Tait said she's grateful to all of the community partners involved in building the original skateboard park in 2011.
"It's well used by kids of all ages and has now reached the end of its life," she noted. "It's time for a replacement. The existing park is going to be rebuilt to more modern standards. We need amenities for our growing population, and we look forward to getting it done."
Tait said the sport's popularity has rapidly increased since skateboarding was added to competition at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
In accordance with the Local Government Act, a regional district security issuing bylaw may only be enacted and financed if the long-term borrowing is arranged through the Municipal Finance Authority of British Columbia (MFABC).
