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Guestroom Block Now Open
Our discounted guestroom block at the Penticton Lakeside Resort is now available for bookings from April 20–22, 2026.
🔗 Book Online
Use the link from our website and enter the group code RFABC2026 when prompted:
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A Very Exciting 2026 Line-Up
Explore it in full on our website and start mapping out your conference experience.
Sessions in Pool Operations, Arena Operations, Facility Leadership and Programs & Services!
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Trade Show Already 35% Sold!
Last year, exhibitor registration sold out completely. If you’re thinking about joining us, now’s the time.
Plus, sponsorship opportunities are almost gone. If you’d like to partner with RFABC this year, we still have select options available!
| | Thanks to our growing list of 2026 Sponsors! | | | |
Award Nominations end Feb 23!
Know someone who goes above and beyond? Nominate them today and give them the recognition they deserve.
And guess what? Your act of kindness earns you a chance to win a $100 Visa Gift Card.
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Nomination period ends Feb 16!
Nominations for the RFABC Board of Directors are now open — and we’re looking for dedicated leaders ready to help guide our Association forward. If you’ve ever considered getting involved, this is your moment.
The nomination period closes February 16, and everything you need to know is outlined in the Board of Directors Handbook — your go-to guide for the 2026 election process, roles, expectations, and what it truly means to serve.
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Read the Winter F2F!
This Winter F2F issue is packed with insights across all six areas of recreation operations, ensuring there's something valuable for everyone in the industry.
Here’s a quick glance at the articles inside:
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Parks & Sport Fields - Ball Diamond Maintenance
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Programs & Services: WinterQuest in Mackenzie
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Feature Story: Maintaining the World’s Longest Skating Trail
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Facility Leadership: Healthy Boundaries for Recreation Leaders
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Pool Operations: Rec Facilities Role in Extreme Cold Weather Response
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Arena Operations: Sharper Ice, Smarter Operations
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Facility Operations: Controlling chemical exposure in pools
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New $1.1M skate park under construction in Sooke | The new $1.1 million skate park will replace the existing Sooke Skate Park, which was built in 1997 and was closed down last year after it was deemed "unsafe for continued use." | | |
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Two new Metro Vancouver recreation facilities win Olympic design award | Sea Otter House (təməsew̓txʷ ) Aquatic & Community Centre and Rosemary Brown Recreation Centre are 2025 IOC IAKS Architecture Prize winners. | | |
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Kamloops Centre for the Arts project to break ground | New construction fencing has been set up around the site of the Kamloops Centre for the Arts project. | | |
City warns 'further damage' could close Penticton outdoor rink | The rink's boards took a hit on New Year's Eve | | |
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Ribbon cutting ceremony opens new welcome centre at Kimberley Nordic Club | On Saturday, Dec. 10 a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the opening of the brand-new welcome centre at the Kimberley Nordic Club. | | |
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Public warned to avoid B.C. resort over food, water and pool safety concerns | A resort in B.C.'s Interior is under a public health warning after inspectors found ongoing safety problems with its food, water and recreational facilities, issues officials say have persisted for years. | | |
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Prince George buying new dive platforms for downtown pool to offset impact of 2-year aquatic centre closure | Prince George city council held a heated debate over the future of the community's two public pools on Monday, as the Aquatic Centre is set to undergo an extended shutdown for repairs. | | |
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Terrace seeks accessibility grant for aquatic centre upgrades | The City of Terrace is applying for a $25,000 accessibility grant to improve the Terrace & District Aquatic Centre, including staff training, new aquatic wheelchairs, and sound baffling at the front desk. | | |
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Sports organizations request more room at new Fort St. John pool in the works | The Inconnu Swim Club, the Fort St. John Soccer Club and the North Peace Gymnastics Association gave their input on what they hope the new Fort St. John pool will provide. | | | | |
We’re currently upgrading our membership, event, and learning management systems for 2026 course registration.
Most course dates are now listed on our website to help you plan ahead.
Registration is being released on a priority basis, with the earliest courses opening first. Please keep an eye on our website — registration for listed courses will continue to be added and updated.
Thank you for your patience as we work through this transition!
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Pool Operator - ONLINE
All 2026 Course Dates for Level 1 and 2 are listed on our website and registration will roll out on a priority basis (earlier courses being available first)
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Chlorine Safe Handling
Langley
Summerland
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Pool Operator - Level 1
Kamloops
Vancouver
Oliver
Nanaimo
Fernie
Chilliwack
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Pool Operator - Level 2
Kamloops
Vancouver
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Ice Facility Operator
Vancouver
Chilliwack
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Refrigeration Safety Awareness
Vernon
Fort St. John
Vancouver
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Refrigeration Safety Awareness - ONLINE
PILOT COURSE
Online (Instructor-Led)
3 evenings, 5:30 PM
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Arena Ice Maker
Parksville
Summerland
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Building Services Worker - Level 1
New Westminster
Victoria
Coquitlam
Merritt
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Building Services Worker - Level 2
Comox
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Parks & Sport Fields - Level 1
Tsawwassen
Victoria
Chilliwack
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Parks & Sport Fields - Level 2
Tsawwassen
Victoria
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LDC - Community Development Module
Vernon
Silver Star Mountain
Vance Creek Hotel
Explore how parks, recreation, and culture help build vibrant communities. Learn key trends, program management essentials, and practical strategies for leading change.
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You’re Invited: CAN Active Insights Webinar
January 29, 2026 – 9:00am PST
Please join for the first webinar in the CAN Active Insights series. This session will offer an exclusive first look at the platform before it officially goes live.
CAN Active Insights is a powerful, made-in-Canada platform designed to help leaders across sport, physical activity, recreation, and parks make more confident decisions. Built by the Canadian sector, for the Canadian sector, this new platform brings together trusted evidence in one place to support planning, investment, and policy conversations nationwide.
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WCTA 62nd Annual Conference & Trade Show
February 10-12, 2026
Early-Bird Delegate Registration Deadline is Jan 16
The Western Canada Turfgrass Association (WCTA) is gearing up for its 2026 Conference and Trade Show — happening February 10–12, 2026, at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, BC. Expect to connect with over 500 golf and sports field managers, learn from 20 top turf management educators, and explore 8,000 sq. ft. of exhibits from industry suppliers and service providers.
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We understand that life is full of unexpected twists and turns. If your email address has changed, don't worry! Take a moment to send us a message so we can stay connected and keep you up-to-date with all the latest news.
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