Saanich’s Gordon Head Recreation Centre earns top marks for accessibility

June 4, 2026

News release
For immediate release

Saanich, BC – Gordon Head Recreation Centre (GHRC) has achieved the highest possible accessibility certification from the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) program – demonstrating the District of Saanich’s commitment to removing barriers and improving accessibility for visitors of all abilities.

Gordon Head is the first Saanich recreation centre to achieve the ‘RHF Accessibility Certified Gold’ rating. Saanich Commonwealth Place and G.R. Pearkes Recreation Centre have attained RHFAC certification, and Cedar Hill Recreation Centre will be assessed in the future following the completion of the Green and Accessible Improvement Project.

“Saanich strives to not only meet compliance standards but exceed them – and Gordon Head Recreation Centre has done just that, with this exemplary recognition,” says Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock. “These recent improvements mean more people in our community can fully participate in the fantastic programs and services offered at this facility – enhancing their health and well-being and reinforcing Saanich’s reputation as a place where everyone belongs.”


Mayor Dean Murdock and Gordon Head Recreation Centre Manager Scott Parfitt, with the plaque proudly displaying the facility’s RHF Accessibility Certified Gold rating.

RHFAC provides organizations with an understanding of their overall level of meaningful access in the built environment, based on the holistic user experience of people with varying disabilities affecting their mobility, vision, and hearing. To date, more than 2,280 sites across Canada have been rated through the program.

"Congratulations to Gordon Head Recreation Centre on being the first recreation centre in Saanich to achieve RHFAC Gold, alongside two additional facilities in the community becoming RHFAC certified," said Amanda Basi, Senior Director, Programs, Rick Hansen Foundation. "I commend the District of Saanich for their leadership and commitment to working collaboratively across departments to go beyond minimum standards to remove barriers, ensuring people of all ages and abilities can participate fully at their local recreation centres."

Some of the new accessibility features at GHRC include:

  • new automatic door opening systems at key locations;
  • hearing assist technology at the Customer Service and Welcome desk;
  • upgraded pool lift, additional accessible change room bed, and washroom update;
  • raised stretching mat in the weight room;
  • safety upgrades to the Wellness Annex stairs; and
  • improved wayfinding signage throughout the facility.

Vital facilities improvements like these are a collaborative effort involving staff from both the Parks, Recreation and Community Services and Engineering departments.

“Seeing community members move through and enjoy our facilities more easily because of these improvements is the true measure of success. Our staff see that impact every day and take pride in helping to create a welcoming, inclusive centre where everyone belongs,” says Scott Parfitt, Gordon Head Recreation Centre Manager. “We're proud of the progress we've made toward ensuring that all community members can access and enjoy the centre.”

Improvements were made possible thanks to a $90,000 grant from the Rick Hansen Foundation, distributed among all three facilities. Gordon Head Recreation Centre supplemented this with a $30,000 accessibility capital budget to extend upgrades. Saanich Recreation continues to prioritize accessibility improvements at all centres, in line with the department’s vision, a Saanich where everyone belongs.

The Rick Hansen Foundation also provided training for staff, and a certified assessor completed pre- and post-upgrade facilities ratings. This gave District staff valuable insights and perspectives on the built environment, and on inclusive processes and communication.

Learn more

For an overview of Gordon Head Recreation Centre’s many recreation and wellness offerings, including accessibility features, please visit Saanich.ca/GordonHead.

To learn more about the District of Saanich’s commitment to improving accessibility, check out our Accessibility Plan.

For more information on the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™program, please visit www.RickHansen.com/RHFAC.

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Saanich Media Contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca

RHF Media Contact:                                    
Cynnamon Schreinert, Hartley PR
Cynnamon@hartleypr.com