Recreational Programming

Free Drop-In Volleyball at Elkford Secondary School 
Get a team together or just volley with a friend or two! This drop-in activity is free of charge. Ages 16+ (players under the age of 16 are welcome, but must play with a parent/guardian accompanying). Please wear non-marking footwear! For more information, call 250.865.4010, email recreation@elkford.ca or visit 750 Fording Drive.

• When: Thursdays, from 8 to 10 p.m. (starts on October 13, 2022)
• Where: Elkford Secondary School Gymnasium at 2500 Balmer Drive
• Dates: Thursdays (starting on October 13, 2022)
  • Times: from 8 to 10 p.m.
• Cost: FREE!
• Ages: Ages 16+ (players under the age of 16 are welcome, but must play with a parent/guardian accompanying)
• Supplies: Must wear NON-MARKING footwear and bringing your own water bottle is recommended 

Non-Restricted PAL
Whether you are interested in applying for Canadian firearms license or are simply interested in learning more about gun safety, this course is for you! It is the first step for those looking to get into target shooting, hunting or a career in law enforcement.

Designed with the absolute beginning in mind, this course covers non-restricted firearms in the most efficient manner available. This course is offered over two consecutive days and includes testing. Passing this course is a federal requirement to apply for your non-restricted Possession and Acquisition License (PAL). For more information, or to register, call 250.865.4010, email recreation@elkford.ca or visit 750 Fording Drive.

• When: Friday, October 14 and Saturday October 15
• Where: Elkford Community Conference Centre-Teck Hall
• Instructor: Shawn Odnokon
• Dates:
  • Friday, October 14: 5:30 to 9 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 15: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Cost:
  • Over 15 years: $110.25 per person + $30 exam fee payable to instructor at time of exam (CASH ONLY FOR THE EXAM FEE)
  • 12 to 15 years old: $105 per person + $30 exam fee payable to instructor at time of exam (CASH ONLY FOR THE EXAM FEE).
• Minimum: 7 / Maximum: 12
• Ages: 12 and up.
• Registration deadline: Friday, October 7
• Supplies: Program course book can be downloaded for free at: https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2015/grc-rcmp/PS99-2-2-1-2014-eng.pdf and printed by participants at home, should you wish to have a hard copy. Please bring a lunch!

CORE Safety Training
The Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education (CORE) Program is British Columbia's hunter education program. It's also a great program for anyone interested in outdoor recreation! The CORE Program consists of a practical firearm handling test and written examination on all of the following subjects: conservation ethics, laws and regulations, first aid and survival, firearm safety, animal identification and bird identification. The goal of the CORE Program is to ensure that prospective hunters meet acceptable standards of knowledge and skill for safe and ethical participation in hunting recreation. For more information, or to register, call 250.865.4010, email recreation@elkford.ca or visit 750 Fording Drive.

• When: Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23
• Where: Elkford Community Conference Centre-Meeting Room(s)
• Instructor: Shawn Odnokon
• Dates:
  • Saturday, October 22: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, October 23: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Cost:
  • Over 15 years: $110.25 per person + $30 exam fee payable to instructor at time of exam (CASH ONLY FOR THE EXAM FEE).
  • 12 to 15 years old: $105 per person + $30 exam fee payable to instructor at time of exam (CASH ONLY FOR THE EXAM FEE).
• Minimum: 7 / Maximum: 15
• Ages: 12 and up.
• Registration deadline: Saturday, October 15
• Supplies: Program course book can be downloaded for free at: https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2015/grc-rcmp/PS99-2-2-1-2014-eng.pdf and printed by participants at home, should you wish to have a hard copy. Please bring a lunch!

Karate
Karate is a celebrated martial art form that involves physical body movements to learn self defense, counterattacking, and striking. Traditionally, karate is also known for developing mental strength and overall improvement of an individual.

***Please note: at the first class, all members are required to pay a fee of $70, regardless of age or experience level. This fee is required by the Shintani Wado-Kai Karate Federation as an ANNUAL due and is in addition to the District of Elkford’s program registration cost. The fee can be paid by exact cash to the instructor or e-transfer to elkfordwadokai@gmail.com and MUST be paid at the first class.***

For more information, or to register, call 250.865.4010, email recreation@elkford.ca or visit 750 Fording Drive.

• When: Follows GHO "I" shift days off (with some exceptions)
• Where: Rocky Mountain Elementary School Gymnasium
• Instructor: Erik Logodi
• Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Beginner class: finishes at 7 p.m.
  • Advance class: stays until 8 p.m.
• Dates:
  • September 13, 15 and 29
  • October 18 and 24
  • November 1, 3, 8, 10, 18 and 24
  • December 2, 5 and 13
• Cost: 

  • Beginner (under age 15): $53 
    Beginner (age 15+): $55.65 (includes tax)

    Advanced (under age 15): $106
    Advanced (age 15+): $111.30 (includes tax)

    ***At the first class, all members are required to pay a fee of $70 (regardless of age or experience level). This fee is required by the Shintani Wado-Kai Karate Federation as an ANNUAL due and is in addition to the District of Elkford’s program registration cost. The fee can be paid by exact cash to the instructor or e-transfer to elkfordwadokai@gmail.com and MUST be paid at the first class.***

• Minimum: 4 / Maximum: 20
• Ages: Ages 8 to adult
• Registration deadline: Tuesday, September 6
• Supplies: Please bring a water bottle

Kinder Karate

Karate for littles, aged four to seven! Kids will learn very beginner basics of Karate, including learning discipline and self defense. 

***Parents/guardians, please note: at the first class, all members are required to pay a fee of $70. This fee is required by the Shintani Wado-Kai Karate Federation as an ANNUAL due and is in addition to the District of Elkford’s program registration cost. The fee can be paid by exact cash to the instructor or e-transfer to elkfordwadokai@gmail.com and MUST be paid at the first class.***

For more information, or to register, call 250.865.4010, email recreation@elkford.ca or visit 750 Fording Drive.

• When: Follows GHO "I" shift days off (with some exceptions)
• Where: Rocky Mountain Elementary School Gymnasium
• Instructor: Doug Wilde
• Time: 5 to 6 p.m.
• Dates:
  • September 13, 15 and 29
  • October 18 and 24
  • November 1, 3, 8, 10, 18 and 24
  • December 2, 5 and 13
• Cost: $53 per child (no tax)

  • ***At the first class, all members are required to pay a fee of $70. This fee is required by the Shintani Wado-Kai Karate Federation as an ANNUAL due and is in addition to the District of Elkford’s program registration cost. The fee can be paid by exact cash to the instructor or e-transfer to elkfordwadokai@gmail.com and MUST be paid at the first class.***

• Minimum: 4 / Maximum: 20
• Ages: 4 to 7 years.
• Registration deadline: Tuesday, September 6

Gymnastics
Kids will learn the fundamentals of strength, balance and body control in gymnastics--and have fun!
Note that for Groups 1 & 2 (ages 3 to 4), parents/guardians are required to stay and assist their child (if needed).

For more information, or to register, call 250.865.4010, email recreation@elkford.ca or visit 750 Fording Drive.

• When: Wednesdays
• Where: Rocky Mountain Elementary School Gymnasium
• Instructor: Jeff Sutherland and Tathlina Lovlin
• Times: 
  • Ages 3 to 4 (Group 1): 5:30 to 6 p.m.
  • Ages 3 to 4 (Group 2): 5:50 to 6:20 p.m.
  • Ages 4 to 5: 6:20 to 6:50 p.m.
  • Ages 6 to 7: 6 to 7 p.m.
  • Ages 8+: 7 to 8 p.m. 
• Dates:
  • September 21 and 28
  • October 5, 12 and 26
  • November 2, 16 and 23
• Cost: 

  • Ages 3 to 5: $30 per child (no tax)

  • Ages 6 to 7 and 8+ $60 per child (no tax)

  • Ages 15 or older: $63 per child (includes tax)

• Minimum/Maximum: 
  • Ages 3 to 5: Min 6/ Max 10
  • Ages 6+: Min 6/ Max 12
• Ages: 
  • Ages 3 to 4 (Group 1): PARENTS/GUARDIANS ARE REQUIRED TO STAY AND ASSIST THEIR CHILD (IF NEEDED). 
  • Ages 3 to 4 (Group 2): PARENTS/GUARDIANS ARE REQUIRED TO STAY AND ASSIST THEIR CHILD (IF NEEDED). 
  • Ages 4 to 5
  • Ages 6 to 7
  • Ages 8+
• Registration deadline: Wednesday, September 14

Spanish Classes
¿Quieres aprender a hablar español? Learn to speak the basics in Spanish! Whether you're travelling to a Spanish-speaking country or just want to start learning a new language, this class is for you! Ages 15+. For more information, or to register, call 250.865.4010, email recreation@elkford.ca or visit 750 Fording Drive.

• When: Tuesdays
• Where: Elkford Community Conference Centre-Meeting Room(s)
• Instructor: Ariadna Laris
• Dates:
  • September 20 and 27
  • October 4, 11, 18 and 25
  • November 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
  • December 6 and 13
• Time: 7 to 8 p.m. 
• Cost: $99.75 (includes tax)
• Minimum: 3 / Maximum: 15
• Ages: 15 years or older
• Registration deadline: Tuesday, September 13
• Supplies: Bring your own notebook/notepad and your favourite writing utensil (pen or pencil). 

Tumble Tots
For little ones learning the most basic fundamentals of gymnastics! Join us for some tumbling fun and learning!
For ages 2 to 5 years. Note that for children ages 2 and 3, parents/guardians are required to stay and assist their children.

For more information, or to register, call 250.865.4010, email recreation@elkford.ca or visit 750 Fording Drive.

• When: Wednesdays
• Where: Community Conference Centre- Teck Hall
• Instructor: Taelor Jensen
• Times: 
  • Age 2: 9:30 to 10 a.m.
  • Age 3: 10 to 10:30 a.m.
  • Ages 4 and 5: 10:30 to 11:15 a.m.
• Dates:
  • September 21 and 28
  • October 5, 12 and 26
  • November 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
  • December 7
• Cost: 
  • Ages 2 and 3: $45 per child (no tax)
  • Ages 4 and 5: $55 per child (no tax)
• Minimum/Maximum: 
  • Age 2: Min 5/ Max 10
  • Age 3: Min 5/Max 10
  • Age 4: Min 5/Max 10
  • Age 5: Min 5/Max 10
• Registration deadline: Wednesday, September 14

Kickboxing Ages 18+
Want a fun way to get into shape, learn some self-defense principles and kick some butt?! Certified personal trainer Tracy Schreven will guide you to learn the basics of kickboxing! For more information, or to register, call 250.865.4010, email recreation@elkford.ca or visit 750 Fording Drive.

• When: Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. 
• Where: Elkford Community Conference Centre-Teck Hall
• Instructor: Tracy Schreven
• Dates:
  • September 21 and 28
  • October 5, 12, 19 and 26
  • November 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
  • December 7 and 14
• Cost: $139.65 (includes tax)
• Minimum: 6 / Maximum: 12
• Ages: 18 years or older
• Registration deadline: Wednesday, September 14
• Supplies: Please bring a water bottle, towel and wear NON-MARKING footwear. 

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: FALL TO WINTER 2022 (SET 2)

Pool Program:  Lifesaving Society—Bronze Medallion *NEW*

Bronze Medallion, as our flagship certification, 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. 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 and National Lifeguard. 

Must be minimum of 13 years of age (or have Bronze Star certification). To register, or to find out more about programs at the Aquatic Centre, call 250.865.4012 or pool@elkford.ca.

• When: Friday, November 26 + Friday, December 2 + Saturday, December 3
• Where: Elkford Aquatic Centre
• Instructor: Rebecca Robinson
• Time:
  • Fridays: 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
• Cost: $208.95 (tax included)
• Registration deadline: November 19, 2022
• Minimum: 4/ Maximum: 12
• Prerequisites: Must be minimum of 13 years of age or have Bronze Star certification. 
• Materials:
  • CLM (Mandatory): $37.80 (includes tax)
  • Pocket Mask (Optional): $18.90 (includes tax)

Pool Program:  Lifesaving Society—Bronze Cross *NEW*

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. This course is a prerequisite for Lifesaving Instructor and National Lifeguard: Pool With Airway Management and Oxygen Administration courses.

Must be minimum of 13 years of age AND have Bronze Medallion certification. To register, or to find out more about programs at the Aquatic Centre, call 250.865.4012 or pool@elkford.ca.

• When: Friday, December 16 + Saturday, December 17 + Tuesday, December 20
• Where: Elkford Aquatic Centre
• Instructor: Kenzie Karwandy
• Time:
  • Friday: 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
  • Saturday & Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
• Cost: $151.55 (tax included)
• Registration deadline: December 9, 2022
• Minimum: 6/ Maximum: 12
• Prerequisites: Must be minimum of 13 years of age AND have Bronze Medallion certification
• Materials:
  • CLM (Mandatory): $37.80 (includes tax) (MAY ALREADY HAVE FROM BRONZE MEDALLION)
  • Pocket Mask (Optional): $18.90 (includes tax)

Pool Program: National Lifeguard—Pool Pre-certification/ Re-certification  (December Session) *NEW*

The objective of the National Lifeguard (NL) pre-certification is to provide candidates an opportunity to review NL skills and knowledge and to provide education on new information before the start of the recertification. Although not a requirement, the BC & Yukon Branch recommends that candidates attend a NL pre-certification to promote professional development and success

Must be 16 years or older. To register, or to find out more about programs at the Aquatic Centre, call 250.865.4012 or pool@elkford.ca.

• When: December 17, 2022
• Where: Elkford Aquatic Centre, Multi-Purpose Room
• Instructor: Sarah Landry and Kenzie Karwandy
• Time: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Cost: $90.06 (tax included)
• Registration deadline: December 10, 2022
• Minimum: 6/ Maximum: 12
• Prerequisites: Must be 16+. Proof of NL- Pool Option to be re-certified (does not need to be current)

Pool Program: Red Cross Certified Babysitting Course *NEW*

The Babysitting course, refreshed and revised, now has a 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. Babysitting promises to deepen and enhance the responsibility that older youth feel when caring for younger children. This updated curriculum, complete with new science, also provides improved learning when it comes to giving the appropriate care in the event of an emergency.

Must be 11 years or older. To register, or to find out more about programs at the Aquatic Centre, call 250.865.4012 or pool@elkford.ca.

• When: October 21, 2022
• Where: Elkford Aquatic Centre, Multi-Purpose Room
• Instructor: Rebecca Robinson
• Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Cost: $65  (+ $3.25 GST if applicable)
• Registration deadline: October 14, 2022
• Minimum: 4 / Maximum: 12
• Prerequisites: 11 years+

Pool Program:  Red Cross Certified Stay Safe! Home Alone Course *NEW*

Real-world scenarios often call on children to respond to challenges. The Red Cross' certified Stay Safe! program teaches applicable and age-appropriate skills, while increasing and reinforcing a youth’s capacity to improve their own safety. Whether in their community or on their own, this group will be given better tools to Stay Safe! in a variety of different situations.

This course is for ages 9 to 13. To register, or to find out more about programs at the Aquatic Centre, call 250.865.4012 or pool@elkford.ca.

• When: November 25, 2022
• Where: Elkford Aquatic Centre, Multi-Purpose Room
• Instructor: Rebecca Robinson
• Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Cost: $65 (no tax)
• Registration deadline: November 18, 2022
• Minimum: 4 / Maximum: 12
• Prerequisites: Must be ages 9 to 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.
 

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: $103/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.