Grand Opening of Northside Community Recreation Centre Scheduled for May 8, 2026
Lund, B.C. – The qathet Regional District (qRD) is pleased to announce the grand opening of the new Northside Community Recreation Centre on May 8, 2026. The event will commence at 1 pm. This is a public event and all are welcome.
In May 2023, the qathet Regional District (qRD) received elector approval through an assent vote to borrow up to $1.1 million from the Municipal Finance Authority.
The project has received funding of up to $4,199,082 from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream. The Government of Canada provided $849,625 and the Province of B.C. contributed $3,349,457 towards the completion of this project. The remaining will be supported through $316,553 in Northside Community Recreation Service Area reserves and $105,562 in anonymous donations, with any remaining balance financed through borrowing. More information is available at qathet.ca/northside-recreation-community-centre-addition.
“This new facility offers an expanded gathering space for community, culture and recreation that reflects Lund’s natural aesthetic, incorporates green building elements where possible, and prioritized local procurement for construction,” said Mikhael Drosdovech, Manager of Assets and Capital Projects for the qRD. “The design-build scope includes a half-court basketball gym, a 200-person hall, a stage for theatrical and musical productions, a new commercial-grade kitchen, wheelchair accessibility, gender-neutral washrooms, additional storage, and a welcoming foyer connecting the new facility to the original Lund Community Hall building.”
“The completion of this expansion to the Lund Community Centre marks an important milestone for Electoral Area A, as we celebrate the exciting future of this incredible civic and cultural hub for our community,” said Jason Lennox, Electoral Area A Director. “This project would not be possible without the passion and support of the Lund Community Society, their dedicated stewardship of this building, and the decades-long volunteerism and drive of many individuals who worked tirelessly to bring a new hall to life. I would also like to thank our project team, construction crews, funding partners, and the entire Northside community for their efforts to keep this vital gathering place functional, community-centred, and thriving for years to come.”
“From its humble origins as a community school constructed in 1948, the Lund Community Centre has faithfully served this community, offering a dedicated space for daycare and preschool services, community events, and vital community programming. This expansion secures the centre’s future, strengthening its legacy of service for generations to come,” said qathet Regional Board Chair, Clay Brander. “The qathet Regional District gratefully acknowledges our provincial and federal funding partners, along with the strong community support and generous donations that helped bring this project to life.”
“I’m excited to see the Lund Community Centre grow. This is where the Lund community really comes together, whether for social events, arts, sports, or childcare,” said Honourable Randene Neill, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Powell River – Sunshine Coast. “This expansion will give everyone even more ways to connect and build on the strong sense of community already enjoyed by residents of this special place.”
“People across the Northside recreation service area came together to make this recreation centre a reality. The new facility supports culture and community life by welcoming residents of all ages and abilities into a shared, accessible space. Built through strong partnerships, projects like this show what’s possible when we work together toward a shared goal.” Honourable Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs.
“Access to modern community infrastructure is crucial to the wellbeing of our communities,” said the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. “The completion of the Lund Community Centre expansion project will help increase access to recreational services and create opportunities for residents to stay active. The Government of Canada will continue to invest in local infrastructure projects like this that build more connected and resilient communities.”
About the qathet Regional District:
The qathet Regional District serves the rural areas from Lund to sḵelhp (Saltery Bay), the City of Powell River, Texada Island, Savary Island, and Lasqueti Island. The qRD provides some services, through contract, to Tla’amin Nation. To learn more please visit qathet.ca
CONTACT:
Mikhael Drosdovech, Manager of Assets and Capital Projects
#202 – 4675 Marine Avenue, Powell River, BC V8A 2L2
Phone: 604-485-2260 | Email: administration@qathet.ca