Cowichan Lake Sports Arena Renovation and Addition

Lake Cowichan, B.C.
Construction Cost: $7.6 million (Canadian)
Area / Square Feet: 30,000
Occupancy Date: December 2010

The Cowichan Lake Sports Arena renovation and addition provides the community with upgraded and new spaces for a variety of recreational activities. The addition includes a dramatic and visible new entrance, large multipurpose rooms that are easily subdivided, new concessions and warm viewing areas, childcare space, an enlarged administration area and new changing rooms for hockey and curling teams.

Functionally and operationally, the addition is a vast improvement on the existing facility, modernizing its spaces and making it more comfortable for visitors and manageable for staff. The aesthetic presentation of the facility is one of clean, contemporary architectural design complemented by the warmth and natural character of the visible use of wood. From the outset, community leaders envisioned this facility as having a wood focus, wanting to take advantage of both its positive environmental and economic sustainability characteristics.

Also notable is the visual appeal of the arena's new changing rooms. Stained plywood cubbies and heavy timber benches create a warm and inviting space and have given the Cowichan Lake Sports Arena a reputation for having the best changing rooms on Vancouver Island.

Crucially important to the quality of the finished product was an inspiring level of community involvement for planning and securing materials contributions. In total, 15 truckloads of wood products were donated by local logging companies and distributors.