The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is exploring options for the future of the Similkameen Ice Arena and Community Pool.

This project will help guide long-term planning for recreation facilities serving Electoral Areas “B” and “G” and the Village of Keremeos.

Community feedback will play an important role in shaping what comes next.

The Similkameen Ice Arena and Community Pool are aging facilities:

• The pool was built in 1971
• The arena was built in 1988

Both facilities have exceeded their typical service life. Upgrades will be needed to ensure they continue to support recreation, health, and community connection in the Similkameen.

The RDOS has been reviewing long-term options for several years. Previous work focused on the arena, and this phase expands the scope to include both the arena and the pool.

This project is looking at potential replacements or changes to the arena and pool, and how the facilities could function in the future, considering options that are realistic, cost-effective, and supported by the community.

The RDOS is inviting feedback to help:

• Identify priorities for recreation services
• Understand what is most important to residents and user groups
• Inform future options and long-term planning

No decisions have been made at this time.

All options are at the early planning stage. Further analysis, community input, and due diligence will take place before any recommendations are considered by the Regional Board.

Community feedback will be used to:

• Help shape and refine potential options
• Identify community priorities
• Inform recommendations to the Regional Board
• The RDOS will report back on what was heard and how the input was used

Public engagement is expected to begin in mid-July 2026.

There will be several ways to participate:

• Online survey
• Paper survey (available upon request)
• Open house at the Similkameen Recreation Centre
• Pop-up booths at community events
• Direct outreach to local user groups and partners
• Details will be shared as engagement opportunities are confirmed

Project updates will be shared through:

• this Regional Connections project page
• the RDOS website
• RDOS social media channels
• local advertising and community notices
• mailouts to residents in the service area