Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) and Sooke Electoral Area Parks and Recreation Commission (SEAPARC) are pleased to announce a new weight room and fitness studio expansion at the Leisure Complex in Sooke. This project was made possible with the assistance of a $1.24 million grant from the Federal Gas Tax Fund.
This addition enhances the diversity of programs and recreation opportunities the complex offers with its current ice arena (built in 1976), two pools, one multi-purpose room and a meeting room (built in 2000). It increases the footprint of the complex by 478 square metres (5,150 square feet), which includes a 36 square metre (383 square foot) boardroom, a 144 square metre (1,550 square foot) fitness studio and a 334 square metre (3,600 square foot) weight room. SEAPARC also owns and operates a bike park, skate park, baseball diamond and par 3 golf course.
SEAPARC invested $2.16 million in capital funding as part of the $3.4 million facility expansion. The expanded space opened to the public on February 7. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the SEAPARC facility was closed to the public on March 17, however, following appropriate health and safety guidelines, the weight room has now re-opened for limited use.
For more information, please visit https://www.crd.bc.ca/project/past-capital-projects-and-initiatives/seaparc-leisure-complex-expansion
Quotes:
The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities: “The addition of a weight room and fitness studio at the Leisure Complex in Sooke is great news for people who want to get exercise and live a healthy lifestyle. The new facilities will provide more options for fitness programs and recreational activities. Canada's Infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds stronger communities.”
John Horgan, Premier of BC: “The expansion of the SEAPARC Leisure Complex offers this growing region greater program diversity and increased recreation opportunities while providing a welcoming space for everyone in the community to enjoy.”
Maja Tait, Mayor of Sooke and President of the Union of BC Municipalities: “The new facility will serve the healthy, active lifestyles of residents in our region. I appreciate the contributions of the federal Gas Tax Fund to support this project and thousands of others around the province.”
Mike Hicks, Juan de Fuca Electoral Area Director: “This facility will be tremendous for the residents of Sooke and Juan De Fuca. We are excited to have access to this new fitness space and equipment, which is so important for the health and wellbeing of our community.”
Al Beddows, SEAPARC Chair: “The Commission is delighted that we can now officially open the new weight room and fitness studio. Although somewhat dampened by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is finally here for the families of greater Sooke to use. Special thanks to the Union of B.C. Municipalities for the $1.24 million grant to make this showcase addition possible.”
The Sooke and Electoral Area Parks and Recreation Commission (SEAPARC) creates recreational opportunities for the public through development, provision and operation of the recreational facilities, programs and activities. SEAPARC is a partnership of the municipality of Sooke and western communities in the JDF Electoral Area (Port Renfrew, Otter Point, Shirley, Jordan River and East Sooke). The commission serves the residents of these areas. Funding for the commission comes from property taxes and user fees. For more information, please visit www.crd.bc.ca/seaparc
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492