The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is moving forward with plans for a new arena and indoor walking track in Castlegar, though voters won’t be asked to approve the project until officials are confident it can be delivered within a $15 million budget.
The board has approved a $180,000 contract with HCMA Architecture and Design to develop the owner’s statement of requirements and guide a design-build procurement process for the proposed facility.
A pre-referendum budget of $280,000 approved in December will cover HCMA’s work, which is intended to determine whether the arena can be built within the $15 million threshold before a referendum is held in October.
A staff report estimates the true cost of a new arena and walking track could range between $19 million and $29 million.
Area I director Andy Davidoff spoke against the motion, raising concerns about the financial burden on his constituents.
He noted that if the referendum fails, the $280,000 spent on planning could result in higher taxes, as both the City of Castlegar and Area J have already indicated they would not cover the cost.
“We have no intention of blocking Area J and the city from going ahead with a project. But what’s happening is that now we know on the record that J and the city are not going to pay back the $280,000 if the referendum fails. And that’s why I’m opposed to this.”
He also raised concerns about the decision to hire HCMA, noting that while the firm has experience with previous arena projects, the sole-source approach was troubling.
Davidoff further expressed skepticism about the $15 million budget cap, which is significantly lower than current cost estimates for a new arena, as outlined in the staff report.
“And the other part is the commitment by Area J and the city and by the commission, that they’re only going to contribute $15 million to a project that really is going to cost $30 million. For all those reasons, I cannot support this spending.”
RDCK staff said in their report that the $280,000 pre-referendum cost will be repaid from the capital construction budget if the project receives voter approval.
The phased approach is intended to reduce the risk of presenting voters with a project that may not be financially feasible.
The board approved the motion, with Davidoff’s opposition recorded.
The contract will include defining project requirements, evaluating design-build proposals from up to two shortlisted proponents, and coordinating input from mechanical, electrical, structural, civil, and building envelope consultants.
While the plans aim to reduce the risk of escalating construction costs and ensure a successful referendum, staff acknowledged potential challenges.
This includes the fact that there is no guarantee a proponent will agree to undertake the project within the $15 million scope, as well as legal and staff costs invested in the process that could not be recovered if no proposal meets the budget.
The RDCK conducted community engagement on the project throughout 2024 and early 2025. Staff noted that further public engagement is not part of the current phase, as the work focuses on planning and procurement rather than final design approval.
The referendum will be held in October during the 2026 general election.
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