British Columbia approves feasibility studies for new indoor recreation facilities

Williams Lake city council unanimously endorsed terms of reference for an Indoor Sport Facility Working Group, allocating about $70,000 for a feasibility study of a new indoor sport centre in the central Cariboo region. Mayor Surinderpal Rathor and Cariboo Regional District Director Melynda Neufeld will co‑chair the group, which will consult the community on features such as sports, arts and culture before final recommendations are made.

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) also moved forward with a Northern Recreation Facility Needs Assessment, adding $100,000 to its 2026 budget to study the need for a 25,000‑ to 35,000‑square‑foot indoor recreation centre serving multiple communities. The assessment follows a 43% loss of indoor recreation space after the closure of Craig Street Commons and ongoing uncertainty about the Qualicum Commons lease. RDN aims to determine whether existing facilities can meet demand or if a new multi‑purpose venue is required.