Project Background

Cedar Hill Recreation Centre is undertaking the Green and Accessible Improvement Project to increase the facility’s environmental sustainability and improve accessibility.

Work on the project began in 2024. The centre anticipates the ability to remain open during all phases of the project. Impacts to facility spaces and programs will be localized and every attempt will be made to minimize patron impact. Please see the regularly-updated table below to learn more about specific impacts to program spaces. 

Funding for the Green and Accessible Improvement Project has been secured through Infrastructure Canada's Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program. Additional funding is being provided by the District of Saanich. 

Facility Impacts September 2025

Activity/Program Space	Project Impacts
ALL SPACES
Reception Desk/Lobby	A temporary Reception Desk is located at the northeast facility entrance (arts wing).   Construction barriers are in place along the windows, closing the recreation centre's front entrance. Ongoing construction behind barriers through October 2025 will result in noise impacts.
Main Entrance and Drop Off Area	No entry or vehicle drop off via the front entrance of the building.   The alternative, accessible entrance is available via the northeast facility doors (arts wing). Temporary vehicle and handyDART pick-up/drop-off is available at the northeast entrance (arts wing).
Café/Lounge	The Second Chance Café will reopen mid-September with limited hours and service. View re-opening schedule.   The café patio doors will be open during café hours. This entrance allows access to the café area only. To access the rest of the building, please use the temporary entrance via the northeast facility doors (arts wing).   Ongoing work behind construction barriers through October 2025 will result in noise impacts.
Parking	The facility entry point has been rerouted, impacting parking availability and traffic flow. New directional signage directs traffic flow and parking availability.     Please allow for extra time to find parking. Additional parking is available in the Finlayson parking lot.
Multipurpose Room	Exterior doors closed for construction.
Washrooms	n/a
Activity Room	n/a
Art Studios 1 & 2	n/a
Ceramics	n/a
Change Rooms	n/a
Dance Studio	n/a
Gallery	n/a
Gymnasium	n/a
Squash Club	n/a
Tennis Courts	n/a
Weight Room	n/a

Project Scope and Timelines

Cedar Hill's Green and Accessible Improvement Project will be split into two phases.

Phase 1

The first phase primarily addresses mechanical improvements and is anticipated to span spring to winter 2024. 

Phase 1 mechanical improvements to the facility to increase sustainability include:

• The transition of the main facility boiler from gas to a high-efficiency air-to-water electric heat pump
• Upgrades to weight room heat pumps for increased heating and cooling capacity and efficiency
• The addition of ventilation and heat recovery in the tennis facility
• Upgrades to LED lighting for increases in energy efficiency in the tennis facility

Phase 2

The second phase will continue to address sustainability improvements while also focusing on accessibility upgrades. This phase of the project is currently expected to begin in March 2025. Larger-scale impacts to the facility are anticipated; more details will be provided as available.

Phase 2 architectural improvements to the facility include:

• Addition of a main entrance vestibule
• A redesigned reception counter
• Upgrades to glazing in the main entrance area
• New flooring for many public areas of the centre
• New auto door-openers

Phase 2 Facility Impacts

Please note the following service modifications beginning March 3, 2025:

• Main entrance closure and relocation – the main entrance doors will be temporarily relocated to the northeast facility doors (arts wing).
• Accessible entrance and handyDART pick-up/drop-off – an accessible entrance is available via the northeast facility doors (arts wing). A temporary vehicle and handyDART pick-up/drop-off are also available at the northeast entrance location.