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See What’s Ahead:
RFABC’s 2025–2027 Plan
| | The RFABC 2025–2027 Strategic Plan sets a clear course to strengthen recreation facility operations across B.C. Centered on sustainability, inclusion, leadership, engagement, and education, it ensures stability, broadens access, builds connections, and delivers evolving, best-in-class training. Together, these priorities position RFABC as a resilient, inclusive, and innovative leader supporting safe, accessible recreation spaces for all. | |
📣 CALL FOR SPEAKERS! 📣
RFABC 2026 Annual Conference & Trade Show
We’re heading to Penticton Lakeside Resort & Conference Centre, April 20–23, 2026—and we’re looking for passionate speakers to share their expertise in recreation facility operations. From aquatics to arenas, leadership to parks, this is your chance to inspire, educate, and connect with recreation professionals from across B.C.
Submit your proposal by October 31, 2025:
| | Zone Meetings give recreation operators the chance to connect with peers in their region, share challenges and successes, and hear the latest from RFABC. Led by your Zone Reps — your local link to the Association — these gatherings are a chance to network, exchange ideas, and make sure the unique needs of your zone are part of the conversation. | |
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Lower Mainland
● Oct. 1, 2025: In-Person @ Coquitlam
Zone Rep, Jamie Ayson-Banico: RSVP
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Kootenays
● Oct. 2, 2025: Online via Microsoft Teams
Zone Rep, Jacquie Hill: RSVP
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Vancouver Island
● Oct. 23, 2025: In-Person @ Parksville
Zone Rep, Heath Mahoney: RSVP
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Thompson-Okanagan
● Oct. 30, 2025: In-Person @ West Kelowna
Zone Rep, Mike Fetterer: RSVP
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North | Cariboo | Skeena-Bulkey
● Oct. 30, 2025: Online via Microsoft Teams
North Rep: Kylah Bryde
Cariboo Rep: Brandy Links
Skeena-Bulkley Rep: Lewis Jones
RSVP
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Massive economic spin-off expected as 55+ BC Games commence in Nanaimo | NANAIMO - Thousands of athletes from across the province have descended on the Harbour City for the annual 55+... | | |
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Public Survey Launched for Potential New Surf Park in Victoria, BC | Public Survey Launched for Potential New Surf Park in Victoria, British Columbia as surf scene expands in the Great White North | | |
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Most Vancouver rec facilities in 'poor or very poor' condition, auditor's report finds | It's no secret that many community centres in Vancouver are showing their age, but residents may be surprised to learn just what condition many of them are actually in. | | |
Squamish families facing long commutes for ice time | Families in the Sea-to-Sky region have been commuting all over the Lower Mainland to get ice time, after the only rink in Squamish, B.C., has been closed for 13 days. | | |
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Information session scheduled as city to reveal more plans for arena multiplex in Kamloops | The City of Kamloops will be hosting an information session where people will be able to ask questions and explore plans for the new arena multiplex in Dufferin. | | |
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Nelson's new climbing gym gains $500k boost | A new climbing gym for Nelson has moved closer to reality after the project received $500,000 in provincial funding. | | |
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Rossland awards contracts for pool boilers, dump truck, Cook Avenue | Rossland city council has approved more than $1.2 million in spending on three separate items. | | | | |
Village of Nakusp restores beloved hot springs source trail | The Village of Nakusp welcomes all to explore the restored Hot Springs Source Trail, which journeys through the forest to the source of the area's cherished hot springs. | | | | |
Vision for spray park in Kitimat continues | Council recently approved designs | | |
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City of Fort St. John considering month long Winter Fest revamp | City staff said the 2025 event brought many challenges due to extreme cold and high costs. | | | | |
Students in Action:
Building Services Worker Level 2
| | Shiny floors, shiny skills! Our Burnaby Building Service Worker Level 2 students put their training to the test, learning the ins and outs of hard floor care. Over two days, participants practiced mopping, scrubbing, and applying floor finish until surfaces gleamed. The result? Pristine floors and confident operators ready to bring their skills back to their facilities. | | | | |
Pool Operator - ONLINE
All 2025 Course Dates and Registration for Level 1 and 2 is open for registration on our website!
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Building Service Worker (BSW)
Level 1
Richmond
Chilliwack
Level 2
Victoria
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Ice Facility Operator (IFO)
Coquitlam
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Refrigeration Safety Awareness (RSA)
New Westminster
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New Fee Schedules as of January 1, 2026
After consulting with clients and safety partners, Technical Safety BC would like to inform you about the upcoming fee changes effective January 1, 2026.
Based on consultation feedback, they found clients and safety partners did not want to pay higher fees in exchange for longer-term certainty. As a result, TSBC has removed the proposed third-year increase of 6% and will instead launch a 2-year fee schedule, with increases to be reviewed again in 2027.
Please visit their website for details:
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TSBC Learning Centre:
Training That Keeps Your Facility Running Safely
The Technical Safety BC Learning Centre offers online courses designed to support recreation facility operators in keeping their facilities safe and compliant. Two standouts include:
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Amusement Device or Ride Safety – valuable courses for aquatics staff responsible for waterslide operations.
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Ammonia Safety Awareness – an essential course for arena operators working with refrigeration systems. (Not a replacement for the RSA Course)
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Elevating Devices – important for anyone managing elevators or lifts within their facilities.
Accessible, practical, and tailored to real-world operations, these courses help operators strengthen their knowledge and keep their facilities running safely for the communities they serve.
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Canada’s first ever 24-Hour Movement
Guidelines for Adults
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Canada’s first ever 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults offer clear direction on what a healthy 24 hours looks like for Canadian adults aged 18-64 years and 65 years or older.
These guidelines are unique because they don’t just focus on a single movement behaviour, but instead look at how all these integrate together. This is the first time there are recommendations on various types of physical activity woven together with guidance on sedentary and sleep behaviours for these age groups.
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Digital Credentials from BCMSA
BCMSA offers verified digital credentials for their certificate programs—over 300 have already been claimed!
These secure digital badges make it easy to highlight your training and commitment to safety on LinkedIn, Facebook, or your professional network. Whether you’re on the frontlines, leading safety initiatives, or starting your career, displaying your credentials helps advance your skills and promotes a culture of learning and safety across B.C.
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BCRPA's Biennial Ripple Effects Conference
November 17, 2025 - November 20, 2025
BCRPA's Ripple Effects aquatics conference is the cornerstone of professional development for the aquatics sector in BC and is one of just two aquatic professional development events in Canada.
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