Multi-Purpose Sports Facility

Background

The District of Ucluelet has been exploring the need for a Multi-Purpose Sports Facility for many years. Most recently, this was identified as a need at the Parks & Recreation Master Plan Open House as well as the Budget Open House. Staff have been looking at a Multi-Purpose Sports Facility to address the many recreational and sports needs of the community. Resort Municipality Funds (RMI) have also been identified for this project as outlined in the 5-year financial plan. At the February 24, 2026 Council meeting, Council agreed to support:

1. the Multi-Purpose Sports Facility concept in principle;

2. the Frank Jones Memorial Park site for the facility location; and

3. the integration of a dog park into the Frank Jones Memorial Park site for the proposed project.


The proposed multi-purpose sport facility envisioned could be able to host the following activities:

  • 2 full sized basketball courts;
  • 2 tennis courts;
  • 6 pickleball courts;
  • 2 futsol (indoor soccer) courts;
  • 2 ball hockey courts;
  • Roller skating;
  • Skateboarding;
  • Indoor dog-training;
  • Indoor social and commercial events such as fairs and farmers markets;
  • Indoor learn to ride programs for bicycles.

For the full project, the proposed building construction would be an aluminum frame / fabric skinned building, as these building types provide for all the program requirements, including a high ceiling. The building would be insulated, but it would not be heated, as this is not necessary for a recreation and sport activity facility.

The facility would also be large enough to host a 90-bed emergency shelter (according to provincial standards).


March 25, 2026 Open House

On Wednesday March 25, 2026, the District of Ucluelet hosted an open house to gain feedback on the Multi Purpose Sports Facility location and viability. We welcomed over 100 community members. At the open house staff presented three options for the location and high-level design of this facility and a survey with some basic questions surrounding the project. Attendees were also asked to write comments on sticky notes and place them on the options provided. A full What we Heard Document is available in the Important Documents tab on the right of this page.

At the open house in March, three main options were presented with the varying sizes for the Dog Off Leash Park. These options are described below.


Option 1 – The original site plan is the option presented to Council on February 24, 2026 containing a 0.4 acre Dog Off Leash Park.


Option 2 – A revised site plan to accommodate a 1.0 acre Dog Off Leash Park.



Option 3 – A revised site plan to accommodate a 1.0 acre Dog Off Leah Park with a 160m run.



Overall Response

Community feedback shows strong support for a multi-purpose sports facility, with most respondents in favour if key conditions are met. Opposition is limited and primarily focused on design and location concerns rather than the concept itself.


Opportunities

• Address a major gap in year-round recreation

• Create a central community hub supporting sports, events, and emergency response

• Increase local participation and reduce travel to neighboring communities

• Strengthen community well-being, especially for youth and families


Key Findings

1. Strong Demand for Year-Round Recreation There is a clear consensus that the facility must be covered and usable in all weather conditions. Residents emphasised the lack of indoor or weather-protected recreation, particularly during the long rainy season.

2. Dog Park The most significant issue is the potential changes to the dog park as currently configured.

• Many users view it as an essential community asset and social space

• Others support relocation, but not elimination or downsizing

• Broad agreement that any impact must be mitigated (replacement, relocation, or equivalent space)


3. Preference for Functional, Not Overly Flexible Design. Respondents cautioned against trying to accommodate too many activities.

• Overly multi-use designs risk becoming impractical

• Strong preference for dedicated or semi-permanent setups

• Priority sports include pickleball, tennis, skateboarding, and hockey


4. Location Considerations

While Tugwell is seen as a logical recreation hub, concerns include:

• Noise impacts on nearby residents • Space limitations and user conflicts

• Safety and access

Alternative locations (notably Seaplane Base) were frequently suggested, particularly if they reduce trade-offs with the dog park.


5. Facility as Community Hub

Support increases significantly when the facility is positioned as:

• An emergency shelter/muster point

• A multi-use community space (events, gatherings, markets)


6. Operational and Design Details Matter

Residents highlighted the importance of:

• Simple booking systems through the Recreation Department

• Easy access

• Equipment storage and permanent infrastructure

• Noise mitigation and thoughtful layout


Project Updates- April 29, 2026

At the April 28, 2026 Regular Council meeting council moved forward three recommendations for staff to work towards:

1. THAT Council authorize the detailed design and costing of Phase 1, Option 2 of the Multi Purpose Sports Facility concept as outlined in the report No. 26-50; AND THAT staff return with final design details for Council’s consideration prior to the tendering of the project.

2. THAT Council have staff consult with the user groups on Option 2 detailed design.

3. THAT Council refer the draft detailed design to the Accessibility Committee for review and comment.

4. THAT Council authorize the submission of expression of interest and application for funding to the Canada Build Communities Strong Fund.


The full report to council can be found in the Important Documents tab on the right hand side of the page. The report to council details the full process and rationale behind the site selection.

Background

The District of Ucluelet has been exploring the need for a Multi-Purpose Sports Facility for many years. Most recently, this was identified as a need at the Parks & Recreation Master Plan Open House as well as the Budget Open House. Staff have been looking at a Multi-Purpose Sports Facility to address the many recreational and sports needs of the community. Resort Municipality Funds (RMI) have also been identified for this project as outlined in the 5-year financial plan. At the February 24, 2026 Council meeting, Council agreed to support:

1. the Multi-Purpose Sports Facility concept in principle;

2. the Frank Jones Memorial Park site for the facility location; and

3. the integration of a dog park into the Frank Jones Memorial Park site for the proposed project.


The proposed multi-purpose sport facility envisioned could be able to host the following activities:

  • 2 full sized basketball courts;
  • 2 tennis courts;
  • 6 pickleball courts;
  • 2 futsol (indoor soccer) courts;
  • 2 ball hockey courts;
  • Roller skating;
  • Skateboarding;
  • Indoor dog-training;
  • Indoor social and commercial events such as fairs and farmers markets;
  • Indoor learn to ride programs for bicycles.

For the full project, the proposed building construction would be an aluminum frame / fabric skinned building, as these building types provide for all the program requirements, including a high ceiling. The building would be insulated, but it would not be heated, as this is not necessary for a recreation and sport activity facility.

The facility would also be large enough to host a 90-bed emergency shelter (according to provincial standards).


March 25, 2026 Open House

On Wednesday March 25, 2026, the District of Ucluelet hosted an open house to gain feedback on the Multi Purpose Sports Facility location and viability. We welcomed over 100 community members. At the open house staff presented three options for the location and high-level design of this facility and a survey with some basic questions surrounding the project. Attendees were also asked to write comments on sticky notes and place them on the options provided. A full What we Heard Document is available in the Important Documents tab on the right of this page.

At the open house in March, three main options were presented with the varying sizes for the Dog Off Leash Park. These options are described below.


Option 1 – The original site plan is the option presented to Council on February 24, 2026 containing a 0.4 acre Dog Off Leash Park.


Option 2 – A revised site plan to accommodate a 1.0 acre Dog Off Leash Park.



Option 3 – A revised site plan to accommodate a 1.0 acre Dog Off Leah Park with a 160m run.



Overall Response

Community feedback shows strong support for a multi-purpose sports facility, with most respondents in favour if key conditions are met. Opposition is limited and primarily focused on design and location concerns rather than the concept itself.


Opportunities

• Address a major gap in year-round recreation

• Create a central community hub supporting sports, events, and emergency response

• Increase local participation and reduce travel to neighboring communities

• Strengthen community well-being, especially for youth and families


Key Findings

1. Strong Demand for Year-Round Recreation There is a clear consensus that the facility must be covered and usable in all weather conditions. Residents emphasised the lack of indoor or weather-protected recreation, particularly during the long rainy season.

2. Dog Park The most significant issue is the potential changes to the dog park as currently configured.

• Many users view it as an essential community asset and social space

• Others support relocation, but not elimination or downsizing

• Broad agreement that any impact must be mitigated (replacement, relocation, or equivalent space)


3. Preference for Functional, Not Overly Flexible Design. Respondents cautioned against trying to accommodate too many activities.

• Overly multi-use designs risk becoming impractical

• Strong preference for dedicated or semi-permanent setups

• Priority sports include pickleball, tennis, skateboarding, and hockey


4. Location Considerations

While Tugwell is seen as a logical recreation hub, concerns include:

• Noise impacts on nearby residents • Space limitations and user conflicts

• Safety and access

Alternative locations (notably Seaplane Base) were frequently suggested, particularly if they reduce trade-offs with the dog park.


5. Facility as Community Hub

Support increases significantly when the facility is positioned as:

• An emergency shelter/muster point

• A multi-use community space (events, gatherings, markets)


6. Operational and Design Details Matter

Residents highlighted the importance of:

• Simple booking systems through the Recreation Department

• Easy access

• Equipment storage and permanent infrastructure

• Noise mitigation and thoughtful layout


Project Updates- April 29, 2026

At the April 28, 2026 Regular Council meeting council moved forward three recommendations for staff to work towards:

1. THAT Council authorize the detailed design and costing of Phase 1, Option 2 of the Multi Purpose Sports Facility concept as outlined in the report No. 26-50; AND THAT staff return with final design details for Council’s consideration prior to the tendering of the project.

2. THAT Council have staff consult with the user groups on Option 2 detailed design.

3. THAT Council refer the draft detailed design to the Accessibility Committee for review and comment.

4. THAT Council authorize the submission of expression of interest and application for funding to the Canada Build Communities Strong Fund.


The full report to council can be found in the Important Documents tab on the right hand side of the page. The report to council details the full process and rationale behind the site selection.

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Page last updated: 05 May 2026, 02:11 PM