Recreational Programming

Introductory Free Trial: Drop-In Pickleball 

Always wanted to try pickleball? Now's your chance... and it's FREE!

What is pickleball? In case you didn't know, pickleball is among the fastest growing and fun sports in North America, being enjoyed by all ages and skill levels! Pickleball combines the elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong; and it can be played indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net. Using a paddle and a plastic ball with holes, pickleball can be played as doubles or singles. Check out this handy video on YouTube to learn the basics of pickleball. 

How do you get started? Gather some friends or family together and play a game of pickleball on the curling ice (arena) in the Elkford Recreation Centre. Pre-booking and/or registration are not required. Racquets and balls must be signed out from the Visitor Centre at Elkford's Community Conference Centre (750 Fording Drive) during the weekly daytime block of 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Monday to Friday).
The Tuesday and Thursday evening block of 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. will have an attendant on-site at the curling ice who will sign out equipment for you. Court time may be limited to a posted time limit (if required) to allow everyone present a fair opportunity to play. Patrons are encouraged to respectively rotate, spectate respectfully and abide by posted time limits. A comment drop-box is located on-site for you to leave feedback. Basic rules of the game handout will also be available to view!

All ages are welcome, but players under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Questions? Contact recreation@elkford.ca or 250.865.4010.

• When: Month of May 2022 
• Where: Elkford Recreation Centre (816B Michel Road)
• Times:
  • Mondays to Fridays: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Tuesdays and Thursdays: 6 to 8:30 p.m.
• Cost: FREE!
• Ages: All ages are welcome, but players under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 
• Equipment: Indoor shoes (racquets and balls are provided)

Red Cross Babysitting Course: at the Aquatic Centre
The babysitting course, refreshed and revised, now has greater emphasis on first aid skills. The Canadian Red Cross Babysitting course covers everything from managing difficult behaviours to essential content on leadership and professional conduct as a babysitter. After successfully completing the course, students will receive a Canadian Red Cross Babysitting Certificate that will make their resumé stand out from the competition and can give them the confidence they need to excel at babysitting. Must be 11 years+ to register. To register, or to find out more about programs at the Aquatic Centre, call 250.865.4012 or pool@elkford.ca.

• When: June 3, 2022
• Where: Elkford Aquatic Centre
• Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Cost: $65 + GST if applicable
• Registration deadline: May 20, 2022

Stay Safe! Course: at the Aquatic Centre
Real-world scenarios often call on children to respond to challenges. Wanting to feel more confident while your child is home by themselves? The Stay Safe! program teaches applicable and age-appropriate skills, while increasing and reinforcing your child’s capacity to make decisions that promote their own safety. While out in the community, or home alone, this class gives kids the tools for practising safety in a variety of different situations. Must be 9 to 13 years old to register. To register, or to find out more about programs at the Aquatic Centre, call 250.865.4012 or pool@elkford.ca.

• When: June 24, 2022
• Where: Elkford Aquatic Centre
• Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Cost: $65 + GST if applicable
• Registration deadline: June 10, 2022

Tumble Tots
Tumble Tots is an introductory gymnastics class for your littles to learn what their little bodies can do! Led by a certified instructor and with parental assistance, your child will learn the importance of balance, stretching and exercise in a fun way.

Ages two and three: 30 minutes, parental participation required.
Age four: 45 minutes, parental participation encouraged.

• When: Mondays, starting March 28 to June 20, 2022
  • EXCEPTIONS: No class on April 18 (Easter Monday) and May 23 (Victoria Day long weekend)
• Where: Multi-purpose hall (above the arena) at 816B Michel Road
• Times: 
  • 9:30 to 10 a.m. for two and three year-olds
  • 10 to 10:45 a.m. for four year-olds
• Cost: 
  • $29 for two to three year-olds (no GST)
  • $44 for four year-olds (no GST)
• Registration deadline: Sunday, March 26, 2022
• Minimum: 7/Maximum: 10

Kinder Karate
Instructors: Doug Wilde & Erik Logodi
When: January 11, 18, 27, February 4, 12, 20, 28, March 8, April 1, 9, 17, 25, May 3, 10, 19
LAST day off on “I” shift schedule (unless it falls on a Wednesday, then it will be on the third day off of “I” shift)

• Time: 5 to 6 p.m.
• Where: Multi-Purpose Hall (above the Arena)
• Cost: $60
• No Minimum/Maximum: 20

Karate: 8 Years to Adults
Instructors: Doug Wilde & Erik Logodi

• When: January 8, 11, 16, 18, 24, 27, February 1, 4, 10, 12, 17, 20, 25, 28, March 5, 8, 29, April 1, 7, 9, 14, 17, 22, 25, 30, May 3, 8, 10, 16, 19
• First AND last day off on “I” shift schedule (unless it falls on a Wednesday, the first day off will bump to Thursday, the last day off will bump to Tuesday)
• Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
• Where: Multi-Purpose Hall (above the Arena)
• Cost:
  • Beginner—$75/student OR $150/family (family must include one adult) + GST (if applicable)
  • Advanced— $150/student OR $260/family (family must include one adult) + GST (if applicable)
• No Minimum/Maximum: 20

Wednesday Night Knitting

• Instructor: Mandy McGregor
• When: Wednesdays from January 26 to May 25, 2022
• Where: Meeting Room #2 in the Community Conference Centre
• Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Cost: $31 + GST
• No Minimum/No Maximum

View the Aquatic Centre page for the current pool schedule:

AQUATIC CENTRE

The highly skilled and passionate team the Aquatic Centre offer of a full roster of Red Cross swimming lessons, lifeguard training and water fitness classes. For more information, or to register, contact the Aquatic Centre at 250.865.4012 or pool@elkford.ca.

Did you know? COVID-19 restrictions have eased and parents are no longer required to be in the water with their kids (beyond the levels of Sea Turtle, Starfish and Duck)!

RED CROSS SWIM LESSONS: SPRING 2022 SCHEDULE

Pool Program: Bronze Medallion 

Bronze Medallion, a Lifesaving Society program, teaches an understanding of the lifesaving principles embodied in the four components of water rescue education: judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness. Bronze Medallion challenges the candidate both mentally and physically. Judgment, knowledge, skill and fitness – the four components of water rescue – form the basis of Bronze Medallion training. Candidates acquire the assessment and problem-solving skills needed to make good decisions in, on and around the water. Bronze Medallion is a prerequisite for Assistant Lifeguard training in Bronze Cross.   

 To register, or to find out more about programs at the Aquatic Centre, call 250.865.4012 or pool@elkford.ca.

• When: July 5 to 7, 2022
• Where: Elkford Aquatic Centre, Multipurpose Room + Pool
• Times:
  • Tuesday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Cost:
  • Course: $199.00 + $9.95 GST
  • Canadian Lifesaving Manual (mandatory): $36.00 + $1.80 GST
  • Pocket Mask (optional): $18.00 + $0.90 GST

• Registration deadline: June 28, 2022
• Minimum: 4/Maximum: 12
• Supplies: Canadian Lifesaving Manual (mandatory) and pocket mask (optional)
• Prerequisites: Must have Bronze Star certification or be aged 13+.

Pool Program: Bronze Cross

Bronze Cross is designed for lifesavers who want the challenge of more advanced training, including an introduction to safety supervision. 
The Lifesaving Society’s Bronze Cross begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares candidates for responsibilities as Assistant Lifeguards. Candidates strengthen and expand their lifesaving skills and begin to apply the principles and techniques of active surveillance in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication in preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies. Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for advanced training in the Lifesaving Society’s National Lifeguard and leadership certification programs.

To register, or to find out more about programs at the Aquatic Centre, call 250.865.4012 or pool@elkford.ca.

• When: July 12 to 14, 2022
• Where: Elkford Aquatic Centre, Multipurpose Room + Pool
• Times:
  • Tuesday to Thursday: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Cost:
  • Course: $144.33 + $7.22 GST
  • Canadian Lifesaving Manual (mandatory, but participants may already have it from Bronze Medallion course): $36.00 + $1.80 GST
  • Pocket Mask (optional): $18.00 + $0.90 GST

• Registration deadline: July 7, 2022
• Minimum: 6/Maximum: 12
• Supplies: Canadian Lifesaving Manual (mandatory, but participants may already have it from Bronze Medallion course) and pocket mask (optional)
• Prerequisites: Must have Bronze Medallion certification AND be aged 13+.

Pool Program: Bronze Medallion 

Bronze Medallion, a Lifesaving Society program, teaches an understanding of the lifesaving principles embodied in the four components of water rescue education: judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness. Bronze Medallion challenges the candidate both mentally and physically. Judgment, knowledge, skill and fitness – the four components of water rescue – form the basis of Bronze Medallion training. Candidates acquire the assessment and problem-solving skills needed to make good decisions in, on and around the water. Bronze Medallion is a prerequisite for Assistant Lifeguard training in Bronze Cross.   

 To register, or to find out more about programs at the Aquatic Centre, call 250.865.4012 or pool@elkford.ca.

• When: June 1 to 4, 2022
• Where: Elkford Aquatic Centre, Multipurpose Room
• Times:
  • Wednesday and Thursday: 4 to 8 p.m.
  • Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cost: $245 + $12.25 GST
• Registration deadline: May 18, 2022
• Minimum: 4/Maximum: 12
• Supplies: Canadian Lifesaving Manual ($43.35) and pocket mask ($22.65)
• Prerequisites: Must have Bronze Star certification or be aged 13+.

In alignment with the Canadian Red Cross’ widely recognized comprehensive swimming continuum and curriculum plans, the Elkford Aquatic Centre offers preschool, swim kids, teen/adult lessons and other safety programs.

• Red Cross Preschool: Red Cross’ learn-to-swim program for kids aged four months to six years and their parents or caregivers. The first 3 levels (Starfish, Duck and Sea Turtle) focus on water orientation and safety. The next 5 levels (Sea Otter, Salamander, Sunfish, Crocodile and Whale) build swimming skills and teach age-specific water safety.
• Red Cross Swim Kids: A 10-level learn-to-swim program for kids ages five and older. The curriculum focuses on development of the 5 primary swimming strokes, water safety and increased fitness and endurance.
• Water Safety Instructor: Prepares candidates to teach Red Cross Swim programs, focusing on strategies to introduce and develop fitness activities, water safety and swimming skills. The course is comprised of three components: stroke evaluation, online module and teaching hours and classroom/pool sessions. This is a requirement for employment at most aquatic facilities in British Columbia.
• Babysitting Course: Kids learn how to manage difficult behaviour, identify unsafe or risky activities, basic care of small children and necessary first aid skills. After successfully completing the course, students receive a Canadian Red Cross Babysitting Certificate that will make their resumé stand out from the competition and can give them the confidence they need to excel at babysitting. Students must be 11 years or older.
• Stay Safe! Course: Want to feel more confident while your child is home by themselves? This program teaches applicable and age-appropriate skills while increasing and reinforcing your child’s capacity to make decisions that promote their own safety. This class gives kids the tools for practising safety in a variety of situations, whether out in the community or at home alone. Students must be 9 years or older.

Not sure which level or lesson is best for your child, or want to learn more about these courses and programs? Visit the Canadian Red Cross website.

For a full listing of current Aquatic Centre fees and charges, view the Fees and Charges Bylaw

In alignment with the Lifesaving Society’s professional lifeguard training program, we offer the courses that aspiring lifeguards need.

• Standard First Aid: A WorkSafeBC Occupational Level 1 equivalent that can be used in the workplace. Includes comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid, CPR and AED use. This courser builds upon Emergency First Aid and goes beyond, teaching more advanced techniques.
• Bronze Cross: This course begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares candidates for responsibilities as assistant lifeguards. Candidates strengthen and expand their lifesaving skills and begin to supply the principles and techniques of active surveillance in aquatic facilities. It also emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication in preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies. Participants must be at least 13 years of age and have Bronze Medallion.
• Bronze Medallion: A flagship certification that teaches an understanding of the lifesaving principles embodied in the four components of water rescue education: judgment, knowledge, skill and fitness. This course challenges the candidate both mentally and physically to acquire the assessment and problem-solving skills needed to make good decisions in, on and round the water. Participants must be at least 13 years of age and have Bronze Star.
• National Lifeguard: Pool with Airway Management and Oxygen Administration (AMOA): Provides participants with the knowledge and practice required to maintain an airway and administer supplemental oxygen. This is a prerequisite for National Lifeguard and has been incorporated into the course. The National Lifeguard Pool Certification is designed to develop the fundamental values, judgment, knowledge, skills and fitness required by lifeguards. With emphasis on lifeguarding skills, principles and practices, and the decision-making process, this course will teach the candidate to provide effective safety supervision in swimming pool environments. Participants must be at least 15 years of age and have Bronze Cross and current First Aid.

Private pool rentals are available on Saturdays and Sundays, outside of scheduled swim times. Rentals must be booked a minimum of two weeks in advance. Please call the Aquatic Centre at 250.865.4012 or email pool@elkford.ca to book.

One pass, three communities! Do you work in another Elk Valley community? Find yourself travelling within the Elk Valley? Wondering what recreational opportunities are available Valley-wide? By purchasing the annual Elk Valley Recreation Access Pass, you will gain access to facilities and programs in Elkford, Sparwood and Fernie!
Facilities that take part in the Access Pass:

• District of Elkford: Elkford Aquatic Centre, Elkford Recreation Centre (Arena)
• City of Fernie: Fernie Aquatic Centre, Fernie Memorial Arena
• District of Sparwood: Henry Volkman Memorial Recreation Centre

Programs included in the Access Pass:

• Public swimming
• Family swimming
• Lane swimming
• Public skating
• Family skating
• Skate & Shoots
• Drop-in Fitness Centre(s)

Passes are valid for one calendar year from date of purchase. Purchase your individual Access Pass for $403.56 or your Family Access Pass for $849.52 at any of the above facilities.
 

Lace up your skates and hit the ice! Public skating, Family skating and Parent & Tot skating are free of charge at the Elkford Arena!

SKATING HAS ENDED FOR THE YEAR: STAY TUNED FOR THE NEW SCHEDULE IN WINTER 2022!

Know before you go - Check the link below for our guidelines while skating.

Skating Guidelines

Looking to play a game of shinny? Want to sharpen your hockey skills? Interested in private ice rentals? Elkford’s ice is meticulously maintained and affordable. Call 250.865.4010 to book your private ice time.

2022 Arena Ice Rental Rates

• Local youth: $51.50/hour + GST
• Local adult and commercial: $63.50/hour + GST
• Non-local youth: $100/hour + GST
• Non-local adult and commercial: $127/hour + GST
• In the off season, we also offer dry floor (ice-out) rentals:
• Child/youth: $21.50/ hour
• Adult: $36.50/hour
• Commercial: $56.50/hour

For a full listing of fees and charges related to the Arena, view the Fees and Charges Bylaw.