Two proponents advance to design-build proposal stage for Castlegar & District Arena and Walking Track Project

The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) is pleased to share that Scott Builders Inc. and Kalesnikoff Mass Timber Inc. have signed on to submit design-build proposals for the Castlegar & District Arena and Walking Track Project.

“This is a big milestone for this project,” said Trisha Davison, General Manager of Community Services for the RDCK. “Having two qualified proponents move into the design-build proposal stage gives us an opportunity to see how the project can be delivered within the identified requirements and budget.”

The project is currently in the Negotiated Request for Proposals (NRFP) stage, where the shortlisted proponents develop detailed design-build proposals. Each proposal must meet the requirements outlined in the RDCK’s Owner’s Statement of Requirements, which sets out the project’s required functions, performance standards, site constraints and other expectations. Each proponent will receive a $50,000 honorarium once a complete design-build proposal is submitted.

With two proponents now committed to submitting design-build proposals, the project is moving into the next phase of planning. While this is an important milestone, the project remains subject to several further steps and approvals including receiving a compliant design-build proposal, board approval and voter assent through the February 2027 referendum.

The RDCK is committed to keeping residents informed throughout the process. Staff provide monthly updates on this project to the Castlegar & District Recreation Commission, and the public is welcome to attend. The next Commission meeting is Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 4:00pm, online or in person at the Castlegar & District Community Complex. This is a great opportunity to stay informed on the project’s progress.

For meeting details to join the next Commission meeting, visit rdck.ca/commissions.

For more information about Castlegar & District Arena and Walking Track Project, visit engage.rdck.ca.

The Castlegar & District Arena and Walking Track Project is an RDCK initiative stemming from the Reimagining Recreation community engagement process conducted between April 2024 and March 2025. Through that process, residents of the City of Castlegar and Electoral Area J identified support for a tax increase to fund a new secondary indoor arena and walking track. In June 2025, the Castlegar & District Recreation Commission directed staff to advance planning for the potential facility, including the development of a new service bylaw encompassing City of Castlegar and Electoral Area J residents that would fund construction, long-term borrowing, and asset renewal of the new amenities at the Castlegar & District Community Complex.