News release
For immediate release

Saanich, BC – A Greater Victoria destination celebrates 25 years this fall. Saanich Commonwealth Place, one of the District of Saanich’s four recreation centres, will commemorate its anniversary with a public celebration on November 30.

“We’re proud of the legacy of this facility,” said Charlene Parker, Saanich Commonwealth Place manager. “It’s the community and our staff who have really made the difference in our longevity and success. We’re looking forward to continuing to serve Saanich.”

The centre opened in 1993 and was used the following year for the 1994 Commonwealth Games. Since then the centre has been maintained to support high performance sport.

Today the centre is a thriving recreation and high-performance centre for all ages, home to Swimming Canada’s High Performance Centre–Victoria, Boardworks Diving Club, the national triathlon development centre, Island Swimming, Pacific Coast Swimming, Pacific Cycling Centre, a thriving leisure pool, a variety of Saanich recreational programming in the pool and gym and more. Commonwealth Place is also a hub for community activities; it houses a teen centre, a daycare and a variety of health services.

The facility plays a role in supporting the District’s sustainability efforts. Earlier this year, staff secured a $4 million contribution from the federal gas tax to reduce the recreation centre’s carbon footprint by 90 per cent, helping Saanich achieve its goals of carbon neutrality.

The public is invited to join in on the anniversary celebrations Friday, November 30 at 10 a.m. Activities include a cake cutting ceremony, a spin wheel with prizes and sharing memories.

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Media contact:
Ruth Smith
Programmer II
250-475-7603
ruth.smith@saanich.ca