A referendum on a proposed new Castlegar arena and walking track could be held as early as November 2026.
In a press release, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) outlined an updated project timeline that lists Nov. 28 as a tentative referendum date.
That date has changed from earlier staff reports that suggested a referendum was more likely to occur in 2027 due to the time required for planning, public engagement and approvals.
In a statement, RDCK communications and community engagement lead Sarah Fuhr said the shift follows direction from the Castlegar and District Recreation Commission at its May meeting.
Fuhr said commission members asked staff at the time to reassess the schedule.
“Following that direction, staff reviewed the project timeline and identified areas where timelines could potentially be compressed,” said Fuhr.
She said the tentative referendum date of Nov. 28 remains subject to change and depends on several milestones and approvals still required before a vote can occur.
The proposed project includes a new arena with an NHL-size ice surface and an overhead walking track connected to the Castlegar and District Community Complex.
The project entered the first of two phases of procurement at the end of May. A request for pre-qualification was issued May 28, inviting qualified firms to submit information about their experience and capacity to deliver the proposed project.
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.
The RDCK says the project remains in its early stages and is still subject to multiple approvals, including service and borrowing bylaws, board approval and voter assent.
Without those approvals, the project will not proceed.
The eventual referendum will include City of Castlegar and Area J residents. The RDCK said previously that even if it is approved, construction would not start until at least six months later, pushing it to late 2027 or 2028.
The second ice sheet would replace the recently demolished Pioneer Arena.
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