Hope & Area Recreation Centre

Located in beautiful Hope, BC, the Hope & Area Recreation Centre is home to the Dan Sharrers Aquatic Centre, arena, weight and cardio rooms, fitness studio, and conference centre. The Hope & Area Recreation Centre has many programs and classes for every age and ability. The Fraser Valley Regional District Recreation Services Department operates the Hope & Area Recreation Centre and the Almer Carlson Outdoor Pool in North Bend, BC.

Your feedback is important to us and helps us plan the services and programs our Recreation Services Department offers. We’re starting the conversation with FAQs, a survey, and early details on the exciting new Heat Exchange project coming in 2024!

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Major Upgrades Coming Spring 2024

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A game-changing transformation is in the cards for the Hope & Area Recreation Centre. In spring 2024, we are embarking on a remarkable project to revamp our facility, bringing about significant environmental and efficiency enhancements.
The cornerstone of these upgrades is renovating the arena’s refrigeration system, which is crucial in maintaining the ice rink’s surface. Underneath the ice, a concrete slab is chilled to freezing temperatures by the aging refrigeration system. Many might not realize that this system generates heat during its operation. However, the innovative solution on the horizon involves capturing this heat through a cutting-edge heat exchange system and repurposing it to warm the pool water, a creative synergy of fire and ice.
We have received funding from a variety of sources to undertake these renovations. We received a $2 M grant from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – CleanBC Communities Fund and funding from the BC Growing Communities Fund, the Local Government Climate Action Program and BC Hydro.
So, what can you expect from these exciting improvements:
- Revamped infrastructure: the existing concrete slab and piping that supports and cools the area ice will be replaced.
- Modern Ice Plant: say goodbye to the old ammonia ice plant and condenser. A new state-of-the-art carbon dioxide ice plant and gas cooler will take centre stage in their place.
- Upgraded electrical service: the electrical service will receive a much-needed boost to support the enhanced infrastructure effectively.
- Innovative Heat Recovery System: we’re introducing a cutting-edge heat recovery system that harnesses the heat generated during the ice-making process and repurposes it to heat the pool water, significantly reducing our environmental footprint.
These upgrades promise to modernize the facility and make it more sustainable and eco-friendly. By reducing operational costs and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, we’re doing our part to combat climate change and reduce environmental impact.
Wondering about construction? You’ll be pleased to know that the project is scheduled to kick off in spring 2024, during the regular no-ice period. We anticipate minimal disruptions for our valued users during this period.
Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this exciting path toward a greener, more efficient, and modern Rec Centre. The future is looking cooler than ever!

Partial funding for the project is provided from the ICIP-CCF Program by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia