Our Field of Dreams ?

One issue that captured my attention back in 2021 was the proposed Parksville Aquatic and Recreation Centre.  I participated in the focus groups and submitted detailed feedback on the proposal, but the whole idea seemed to die a slow and painful death. It ended with a whimper in January 2024 when the RDN Board voted to abandon the “Parksville Pool Feasibility Service Establishment Bylaw No.1894, 2023”.

But wait !  Is there a glimmer of hope?  Last January, School District 69 closed the Craig Street Commons (formerly the Parksville Elementary School) declaring the site as being surplus to its needs. The RDN, at its July 14 meeting, voted to direct staff to undertake a Northern Recreation Facility Needs Assessment since the closure resulted in a significant loss of indoor recreation facilities in our region.

This gives us an amazing opportunity to repurpose the site, keeping it for public use as a recreation/community centre, aquatic centre, etc. But such a project can be an expensive endeavor.  Can we attract federal and provincial infrastructure dollars?  Does Parksville “go solo” or work in partnership with the RDN ?  Can such a project be built in phases by rehabilitating existing components of the building ?  Should it be knocked down and treated as a greenfield project ?

Whatever happens, I strongly believe the ten acre parcel must be kept as a public asset and developed in consultation with Parksville residents.  The upcoming Official Community Plan (OCP) consultation is the perfect opportunity for those discussions to take place.

With your support, I will be at the Council Table listening to and learning from your input.