Green & Accessible Improvement Project

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 March 2025

Activity/Program Space Project Impacts
ALL SPACES  
Activity Room n/a
Art Studios 1 & 2 n/a
Café/Lounge Café and Lounge will remain open. Construction barriers are being built along windows starting March 3, closing the recreation centre front entrance. Ongoing construction behind barriers through October 2025 will result in noise impacts.
Ceramics n/a 
Change Rooms

n/a
Dance Studio n/a 
Gallery Heat will be interrupted.
Gymnasium 

Heat will be interrupted (mitigated with space heating as available.)

Reminder: Exterior doors must remain closed to help retain heat.
Main Entrance and Drop Off Area

No entry through automatic double doors and no drop off in front of the building starting March 3.

New, temporary entrance via patio doors adjacent to the main entrance.

An accessible entrance is available via the northeast facility doors (arts wing). A temporary vehicle and handyDART pick-up/drop-off area are being created adjacent to the northeast entrance.
View map of temporary and accessible entrances.  
Multipurpose Room

Heat will be interrupted (mitigated with space heating as available.)
Reminder: Exterior doors must remain closed to help retain heat.
Parking Starting March 3, the facility entry point will be rerouted, impacting parking availability and traffic flow. New directional signage will be installed to direct traffic flow and parking availability.  
Additional parking is available in the Finlayson parking lot.
Reception Desk/Lobby The Reception Desk remains open. Starting March 3, construction barriers will be built along windows, closing the recreation centre's front entrance. Ongoing construction behind barriers through October 2025 will result in noise impacts.
Squash Club n/a
Tennis Courts

n/a
Washrooms

n/a
Weight Room

n/a
Exterior of Tennis Facility Construction work is occurring, and project materials are being stored in this area. 

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 patio doors adjacent to the main entrance.
  • Accessible entrance and handyDART pick-up/drop-off – an accessible entrance is available via the northeast facility doors (arts wing). A temporary drop-off area is being created adjacent to the northeast entrance location.