District 69 (Oceanside) Recreation Services Master Plan

Thank you to all those who came out to one or more of the open houses and/or provided feedback at Get Involved RDN. We are currently reviewing all feedback and refining the draft plan.

If you didn't get an opportunity to attend the open houses, information that was on display at the events and other background materials can be viewed here.

Questions continued to be welcomed after December 14th but they will not be officially included in the feedback summary.

The Regional District of Nanaimo initiated the development of a new Recreation Services Master Plan for District 69 (Oceanside) in the fall of 2016. The project is divided into four phases.

1. Project Initiation - Start up meetings, confirm scope of work and key dates, community tour.
2. Research and Consultation - Census data analysis, operation and utilization review, community engagement and industry best practices comparison.
3. Analysis - Information collected during Phase Two examined and format of Master Plan developed.
4. Recreation Services Master Plan - Internal and external review of Draft Master Plan, completion of final plan for Board approval.

Over 1,687 resident surveys completed, 60 community group questionnaires and over 30 discussion sessions with stakeholders are completed in April 2016.

The key findings presented are based on information collected from: residents via a community survey, interview and discussion sessions with participants representing a variety of community organizations and a community group questionnaire. These findings as well as other information presented will be further explored as recommendations and strategic directions are presented to the Board for approval.

The draft Master Plan includes a future vision and service goals for recreation services that align with not only RDN Board strategic priorities but also both Provincial and Federal recreation and wellness frameworks.

As per the Master Plan Terms of Reference approved by the RDN Board in June 2016, the following four specific areas were to be addressed:

1. Ravensong Aquatic Centre expansion feasibility and demand
2. Possible alternative uses for the District 69 Community Arenaa
3. Demand and feasibility for an outdoor multi-sport complex
4. Current and future demand for the District 69 Community Arena to operate as a curling club

The Master Plan contains 34 recommendations divided into two categories:

1. Service Delivery and Programming
2. Infrastructure

These recommendations have been organized into a number of areas that reflect key issues, opportunities and financial implications.