Nelson, BC: The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is sharing an update on the Castlegar & District Arena and Walking Track Project, which has now moved into the Request for Pre-Qualification (RFPQ) stage.
Issued on May 28, 2026, the RFPQ invites qualified design-build firms to submit information about their experience and capacity to deliver the project proposed. This is the first step in a two-stage process used to identify design build firms best suited for a project of this scale.
A design-build approach brings design and construction together under one contract, with a single proponent responsible for delivering the project from concept through construction.
Through the RFPQ, the RDCK anticipates shortlisting up to two proponents. Those proponents would then be invited to participate in a Request for Proposals (RFP), expected to be issued in late July 2026. During the RFP stage, the shortlisted design-build firms will develop more detailed designs, project approaches, and pricing proposals within the defined budget, which will be submitted to the RDCK for evaluation and consideration.
After a proponent is conditionally selected through the RFP process, the project would proceed to community consultation, followed by a referendum for voter approval. Through the referendum, residents of the City of Castlegar and Area J would vote to establish a new service and approve the borrowing amount bylaw required to move the proposed project forward. Without voter assent on these two items, the proposed project cannot proceed.
The proposed project includes a new arena with an NHL-size ice surface and an overhead walking track, integrated with the existing Castlegar & District Community Complex.
Project Timeline
- April 2024 – March 2025: Reimagining Recreation Community Engagement
- June 2025: Commission directed staff to review bylaws, develop funding models, and advance planning for a secondary arena and walking track.
- September 2025: Strategic Priorities Fund grant application submitted
- September 2025 – May 2026: Project framework and requirements development
- May 29, 2026: Request for Pre-Qualification issued
- June 26, 2026: Request for Pre-Qualification closes
- Late July 2026: RFP is issued to shortlisted proponents
- Mid September 2026: Request For Proposal process closes
- November 28, 2026: Tentative referendum date
The project is still in the early stages and remains subject to several approvals, including bylaws, Board approval, and voter assent through a referendum. All above dates listed in the above timeline are subject to change.
Staff provide monthly updates on this project to the Castlegar & District Recreation Commission, and the public is welcome to attend. The next Commission meeting is Tuesday, July 7 at 4:00pm, online or in person at the Castlegar & District Community Complex. This is a great opportunity to stay informed on the project’s progress.
For more information about Castlegar & District Arena and Walking Track Project, visit engage.rdck.ca.
About the Castlegar & District Arena and Walking Track Project
The Castlegar & District Arena and Walking Track Project is an RDCK initiative stemming from the Reimagining Recreation community engagement process conducted between April 2024 and March 2025. Through that process, residents of the City of Castlegar and Area J identified support for a tax increase to fund a new secondary indoor arena and walking track. In June 2025, the Castlegar & District Recreation Commission directed staff to advance planning for the potential facility, including the development of a new service bylaw encompassing City of Castlegar and Area J residents that would fund construction, long-term borrowing, and asset renewal of the new amenities at the Castlegar & District Community Complex.