Conference 2025 was one for the books!

From golf in Oliver and a packed Welcome Social Beach Party to an unforgettable mix of education, networking, and celebration, this year’s event had it all. Over 180 delegates joined us for inspiring keynotes, including Peter Brown on the science of laughter and Gary Young on innovation and leadership.

Our education program delivered top-notch sessions, while the biggest-ever tradeshow with 60 vendors wowed everyone with incredible swag (and let’s not forget those legendary tacos!). We celebrated the Association’s history and honored our Past Presidents, explored beautiful Penticton through hikes, brewery tours, and wine tastings, and came together to recognize outstanding recreation professionals at our Awards Banquet. Brittany Graling’s powerhouse piano show was the perfect finale to an amazing night.

To everyone who joined us — thank you for making it unforgettable. And to those who missed it? You missed something special. We can’t wait to do it all again next year!

We’re thrilled to announce this year’s award recipients! 

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Joe Dukowski Memorial Scholarship

Pui Ming (Serena) Chan, Langara College

RFABC Associates Scholarship

Katelyn Lafleur, Langara College

DB Perks Commercial Aquatics Supplies Award

Brendan Stonnell, Langara College

RFABC Island Zone Grant:

Ethan Stannard, Regional District of Nanaimo

Blake Power, City of Port Alberni

Lizzie Nickason, Cowichan Valley Regional District

Aubrey Enterprises Associates Award

AME Group

Harry Atkinson Operator Award

Ariel Caranguian, City of Coquitlam

Polar Engineering Climate Action Award

təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre

Dave Dauphinee Exceptional Service Award

Yue-Ching Cheng, Langara College

Joyce Fordyce Facility Programming Award

Allison Schneider, City of Nanaimo

Gerry Morgan RFABC Supporters Award

Alberta Association of Recreation Facility Personnel (AARFP)

Ron Aubrey Instructor of the Year Award

Marg Kovacs (Pool 1 & 2 + Chlorine Safe Handling)

Most Effective Zone Past President's Award

Lower Mainland Zone

Bob Muir President's Award

Chantel Kosmynka, City of Delta

Bill Woycik Outstanding Facility Award

təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre

John Bate Award of Merit

Steve Napper, City of Delta

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Visit our website to learn more about the incredible accomplishments of these outstanding recreation professionals.

Check out all the winners here: https://rfabc.com/about/awards/

Welcome to Navigating Power Dynamics with Confidence and Clarity!

Join us for an engaging event, exclusively for RFABC members, where we will explore power dynamics in the workplace. Learn how to navigate these dynamics with confidence and clarity to achieve your leadership and team goals.

Our Co.CEO and Chief Learning Architect - Jeff Couillard - will share valuable insights and practical tips to help you understand power dynamics so you can use your power in more conscious ways.

We'll be exploring;

• The 5 Types of Power from the Right Use of Power model
• The Up and Down Power Differential
• Practical tools for navigating power dynamics as a leader and team member

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your skills and boost your confidence as a leader. We look forward to seeing you!

Friday, May 16 @ 12:00pm - 1:00pm

We’re already gearing up for 2026, and NOW is the time to get your course requests in! If you’re interested in bringing training right to your facility, we want to hear from you.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: JULY 31st, 2025!

All the details on hosting (including perks like one FREE registration for your team!) are right here: 👉 Host a Training Course - RFABC

We’ll be locking in the 2026 training schedule this summer—so don’t miss out on the opportunity to make sure your staff have access to the courses they need, right in your own community!

Questions? Reach out—we’re here to help!

For the first time since 2015, CPRA a unique opportunity to shape the renewed Framework for Recreation in Canada—and they need your voice! 

To ensure the renewed Framework reflects the evolving needs of communities across the country, CPRA has created a survey. Whether you work in recreation and parks, serve as a volunteer, or represent a related sector like public health or education, your input is invaluable. 

To make participation as accessible as possible, they are offering multiple versions of the survey: 

• Short version | Brief but thoughtful | 10 min
• Long version | In-depth and expressive | 30 min

It may be helpful to have the current Framework in mind as you complete the survey. This foundational document is being renewed to reflect today’s realities and tomorrow’s opportunities. Find the current Framework here.

CPRA encourages organizations to make this a team effort—consider dedicating time in a staff meeting to complete the survey together and ensure your perspectives are heard.  

The survey will remain open from now until May 19th, 2025.