RFABC Updates

🍂 Read the Fall Issue of F2F 🍎

Practical insights, project highlights, and industry expertise for recreation facility operators across British Columbia.

Get Ready to Submit Your Proposal to Speak at our 2027 RFABC Conference!

Learn More About Speaking at our Conference

📌 Bookmark Your 2027 Conference Resources!

Planning to join us in Nanaimo for the 2027 RFABC Conference & Trade Show?

Be sure to bookmark our conference information pages so you can easily check back as new details are added!

Delegate Information

Find the latest details to help you plan your conference experience, with more information added as we get closer to April.

https://rfabc.com/event/2027-conference-experience/

Sponsorship & Trade Show Exhibitor Information

Interested in sponsoring or exhibiting? Bookmark this page for the latest opportunities, details and updates.

https://rfabc.com/event/2027-tradeshow-sponsorship/

Save the pages now and check back often.

There’s lots more to come!

Upcoming Zone Meetings

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.

North • Cariboo • Skeena-Bulkley

● Sept. 24, 2026: Online via Microsoft Teams

Email your Zone Rep: RSVP

Kootenays

● October 2026: Date Announced Soon!

● Virtual: Online via Microsoft Teams

Email your Zone Rep: Stay Tuned

Lower Mainland

● November 2026: Date Announced Soon!

● In-Person: Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre

Email your Zone Rep: Stay Tuned

INDUSTRY NEWS

Victoria's only public pool to close in September, with alternative to open next year

The Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre will close on Sept. 25.

Many of Nanaimo's recreational facilities being upgraded

Millions of dollars earmarked for work

What's new inside the Comox Valley Aquatic Centre as it reopens Sept. 8

Swimmers will soon be able to dive back into the Comox Valley Aquatic Centre after a summer closure for major upgrades and maintenance.

Plan for Abbotsford sports park hits setback after failed land-swap proposal

The City of Abbotsford's plan to turn a parcel of farmland into an enormous sports complex has hit a setback, after B.C.'s Agricultural Land Commission denied an application by the city.

$7.9M for 3 new parks in Surrey, two of them in Newton

Acorn Park will be built first at 58A Ave and 142 St

Summerland outlines facility reopenings, closures as community returns from Bald Range wildfire evacuation

Golden faces $13 - $26 million decision on future of community pool

Feasibility study outlines renovation, outdoor replacement and indoor facility options, but questions remain about costs and the long road ahead

Nelson council elects to continue roof "monitoring" over replacement of Civic Arena roof

The bandaid that has been in place on the Nelson Civic Arena roof will be in place for another year, after Nelson city council approved continued roof monitoring and "risk mitigation" this winter for

Province gives Nakusp Hot Springs $86K to bring more visitors, dollars to Kootenays

Funding will help improve infrastructure to increase accommodation room for hot springs' future growth

New council to increase recreation in Smithers

A network of non-profit organizations, healthcare providers, and community groups has been formed to strengthen recreation across the region. The Smithers Community Recreation Association will identify community needs

Kitimat skate park revitalization headed to 2027 budget talks

A community-led initiative to revitalize and expand Kitimat's skate park is moving forward after an enthusiastic reception from council and a feasibility study now set to be considered during 2027

Renovations complete at Dawson Creek's Memorial Arena

The city of Dawson Creek has finished upgrading Memorial Arena as part of the city's 2026 Capital Program.

EDUCATION

Small class. Mighty results.

Our Arena Ice Maker crew from Golden, BC may have been small,

but they made the most of two days of hands-on learning

and have a fresh sheet of ice to show for it!

RFABC Upcoming Courses

Arena Ice Installation - Virtual Lunch & Learn

Connect with Arena Ice Makers from across the province for a free, one-hour virtual session focused on ice installation. Share ideas, learn from fellow operators and talk through the challenges and techniques that come with making great ice. Discussion will focus exclusively on ice making topics.

September 23, 2026 | 11:30 AM –12:30 PM PDT | Online via Zoom

No cost to attend

Learn More and Register

Pool Operator - ONLINE

All 2026 Course Dates for Level 1 and 2 are listed on our website and open for registration,

More Info

Pool Operator - Level 1

Agassiz

Oct 19–20

More Info

Ice Facility Operator

Surrey

Nov 15–20

More Info

Refrigeration Safety Awareness

Chilliwack

Nov 14

More Info

Refrigeration Safety Awareness ONLINE

Online via Zoom over 3 Days

Sept 29 | 5:30–8:30pm PST
Oct 1 | 5:30-8:30pm PST
Oct 6 | 5:30–9:00 pm PST

More Info

Building Service Worker - Level 1

New Westminster

Sept 19–20

More Info

PARTNER INFO

Help Shape Ammonia

Risk Treatment in BC

Technical Safety BC is seeking feedback from recreation industry professionals to help guide its ammonia risk treatment priorities for 2026–2027.

Your input will help inform actions across three priority focus areas identified through last year’s ammonia risk assessment.

Take the short survey by September 18, 2026

Take the Survey

Recreation Studies Education Pathways

Years of experience in recreation come with a lot of learning — and that knowledge may be worth academic credit.

Langara College’s Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) program recognizes skills and knowledge gained through work and life experience, helping professionals reduce the time and cost of completing a post-secondary credential.

🎥 Click to watch the video to learn more, or read the full F2F Magazine article for a closer look at how PLAR works and where to find more information.

Learn More About PLAR

Stay Connected!

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.

And remember, if you have any questions or concerns, our friendly team is here to help: communications@rfabc.com