Recreational Programming

RESTRICTED PAL COURSE

Successful completion of this course will allow the student to apply for a restricted firearms license and attach it to their non-restricted license. At this time, a restricted license (as described by the firearms act in Canada) does not include the acquisition of any handgun.

Note that students can take the Restricted PAL course or the Non-Restricted PAL course in any order, but they must have successfully completed both the Non-Restricted PAL course AND the Restricted PAL course in order to apply for the Restricted PAL license. Ages 12+ (although students can take this course at 12 years of age, they cannot apply for their Restricted PAL License until they reach 18 years of age).

All participants must pay a $25 exam fee (not included in the course fee) to instructor day of the exam. CASH only.

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

• Date: Saturday, August 17, 2024
• Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
• Instructor: Shawn Odnokon
• Where: Meeting Room in the Community Conference Centre (750 Fording Drive)
• Cost: 
  • Under 15 years: $123 (no tax)
  • 15 years and older: $129.15 (includes tax)
  • Note that all participants must pay a $25 exam fee (not included in the course fee) to instructor day of the exam. CASH only.
• Ages: Ages 12 and older (although students can take the course at 12 years of age, they cannot apply for their Restricted PAL License until they reach 18 years of age).
• Registration deadline: August 10, 2024
• Min: 7/ Max: 12
• Supplies: Course materials will be supplied, but please bring your own notepad/paper and a pen. There will be a lunch break, so please also bring your own lunch, snacks and a water bottle.

DROP-IN SUMMER FUN (FOR KIDS)

Join us for crafts, games and fun three days per week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) starting on July 9, 2024. 

Drop in or register for five sessions and get one free! (sessions do not have to be consecutive but must be for the same child). Note that there are different times for different age groups.

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

• Where: Teck Hall in the Community Conference Centre (750 Fording Drive)
  • Drop-offs and pick ups at the Community Conference Centre each day
• Dates:
  • July 9 to August 22
    • July 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31
    • August 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22
• Times:
  • Ages five to eight years: 9 a.m. to noon
  • Ages nine to 12 years: 1 to 4 p.m.
• Cost: $10 per participant per day
  • Register for five sessions and get one free! (Note that sessions do not have to be consecutive but must be for the same child)
• Min: 1/Max: 15
• Supplies: Please send your child with a water bottle, hat and a snack. Children should be dressed appropriately for the weather and wear/bring sunscreen

DROP-IN WHEELIES FOR KIDS

Dust off your wheels and drop in for some fun: the FREE and ever-popular Wheelies drop-in program is back! The arena ice is out so bring your rollerblades, scooters, skateboards, ride-on toy cars, tricycles or even your bikes (no BMX bikes with pegs on them please, these can damage the arena flooring) and burn off some of that energy!

No ramps will be permitted on the floor.

Note that there are different times and days for different age groups. Helmets are mandatory and safety gear is also strongly recommended. ** Parents/guardians MUST accompany children ages 6 years and under (Mondays and Wednesdays). ** 

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

• Where: Elkford Recreation Centre, Dry Arena (at 816B Michel Road)
• Dates:
  • April 30 to June 13, 2024 (excluding the statutory holiday May 20)
• Times:
  • Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. to Noon 
    • For Ages 6 years and under (**A PARENT OR GUARDIAN MUST ACCOMPANY CHILDREN***)
  • Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. 
    • For Ages 7 to 12 years (**Parent/Guardians welcome, but not required, as an attendant is on-site**)
• Cost: Free!
• Supplies: Bring your own wheels! A helmet is mandatory, additional safety gear is recommended. 

DROP-IN SHINNY (FLOOR) HOCKEY

Drop in and play some shinny (floor) hockey at the Elkford Rec Centre arena! Shinny hockey is an informal type of hockey, similar to street hockey, and it's offered on a drop-in basis on rollerblades on the dry ice surface. 

For all ages, but those 15 years and younger must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Helmets are mandatory for all, and other protective gear is mandatory for those under the age of 16 years (and strongly recommended for everyone else too!). 

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

• Where: Elkford Recreation Centre Arena (at 816B Michel Road), Dry Ice Surface
• Dates:
  • Wednesdays and Fridays
    • Wednesday, May 1 to Wednesday, June 26, 2024
• Times:3 to 5 p.m.
• Cost: $4/person per session
• Ages: For all ages, but those 15 years and younger must be accompanied by a parent/guardian
• Supplies: Bring your own sticks and rollerblades. Helmets are mandatory for all, and other protective gear is mandatory for those under the age of 16 years (and strongly recommended for everyone else too!)

KARATE: Second Half of Program

Participants who registered at the beginning of this program are already enrolled; however, a pro-rated signup cost (half-price) is now being offered for new registrants who wish to join at the halfway point of the full program.

Sensei Erik Logodi and Sensei Doug Wilde will teach you the basics (and more) about Karate! Karate is a system of unarmed combat using the hands and feet to deliver and block blows and is widely practiced as a sport. The themes of traditional karate training are fighting and self defence, though its mental and moral strength aspects target the overall improvement of the individual. Families welcome! For ages 8 to adult.

***Please note that at the first class on February 8, all NEW members who sign up for the second half of the program 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 instructors or e-transfer and MUST be paid at the first class. Participants who are continuing from the first half of the program and have already paid this annual due may disregard this.***

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

• Where: Multi-Purpose Recreation Hall (inside the Recreation Centre at 816B Michel Road)
• Instructors: Erik Logodi and Doug Wilde
• Time: 6 to 7:30 p.m.
• Dates:
  • SECOND HALF OF PROGRAM:
    • February 8, 10, 16, 18, 24, 26 (no class Feb 2, 2024)
    • March 3, 5, 11, 13, 19, 21, 27 (no class March 29, 2024, for statutory holiday)
    • April 4, 6, 12, 14, 20, 22, 28, 30 (last class)
• Cost: 
  • SECOND HALF OF PROGRAM:
    • Ages 8 to 15 years: $110.50 per individual (no tax)
    • Ages 15+ years: $116.03 per individual (includes tax)
    • Families: $348.08 per family (includes tax) **Family is defined as three or more individuals from the same household, to a maximum of six, and must include at lease one adult.**

***At the first class on February 8, all NEW members who sign up for the second half of the program 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 instructors or e-transfer and MUST be paid at the first class. Participants who are continuing from the first half of the program and have already paid this annual due may disregard this.***

• Maximum Registrants (Total): 40
• Ages: 8 years to adult
• Registration deadline: N/A
• Supplies: Please bring a water bottle

WINTER TO SPRING 2024: FREE DROP-IN PICKLEBALL (CONTINUING)

Play drop-in pickleball for free in the multi-purpose hall (on the upper floor of the Elkford Recreation Centre)! For those who need pickleball paddles and balls, they are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis. No pre-registration is required, but you must sign in each time that you use the court (a sign-in sheet is provided at the entrance of the multi-purpose recreation hall). 

Must be 16+ unless supervised by a responsible adult who is 18 years or older. For more information, call 250.865.4010, email events@elkford.ca  or visit 750 Fording Drive.

• Dates: January 4 to March 22, 2024
• When: 
  • Mondays: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (except February 19)
  • Tuesdays: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Thursdays: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • *NEW* Fridays: 6 to 8 p.m. (except February 2 and 16) 
• Where: Multi-Purpose Hall (inside the Recreation Centre at 816B Michel Road)
• Cost: FREE!
• Ages: Ages 16+ (players under the age of 16 are welcome, but must play under the supervision of a responsible adult who is 18 years or older)
• Supplies: You may bring your own pickleball paddles/balls, or you may borrow the ones we have. Equipment is first-come, first-served. Bringing your own water bottle is recommended!

Pool Program:  Lifesaving Society—Bronze Cross 

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: June 21, 26, 27 and 28, 2024
• Where: Elkford Aquatic Centre—Multipurpose Room and Pool
• Instructor: Sarah Landry
• Times:
  • Friday, June 21: 4:15 to 8 p.m.
  • Wednesday, June 26: 3 to 8 p.m.
  • Thursday, June 27: 3 to 8 p.m.
  • Friday, June 28: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cost: $201.08 (tax included)
• Registration deadline: June 16, 2024
• Minimum: 6/ Maximum: 12
• Prerequisites: Must be minimum of 13 years of age AND have Bronze Medallion certification
• Materials:
  • CLM (Mandatory): $50.40 (includes tax) (MAY ALREADY HAVE FROM BRONZE MEDALLION)
  • Pocket Mask (Optional): $21 (includes tax)

Pool Program:  Lifesaving Society—Lifesaving Instructor 

The Lifesaving Society’s program for Lifesaving Instructor/Examiners follows a competency-based model that covers teaching and evaluation philosophy, techniques, and approaches for water rescue, first aid and aquatic skills.

The training includes long-term and short-term planning, class management, safety supervision and evaluation principles. The program prepares instructors to teach a variety of courses, including Junior Lifeguard Club, Swim to Survive, Lifesaving for Lay Rescuers and more. Candidates must demonstrate skills, knowledge and attitudes at Competency Level 1 (Lifesaving Instructor) to earn certification, which enables them to evaluate and certify candidates in Canadian Swim Patrol, Lifesaving Fitness, Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross.

Must be minimum of 15+ years of age by the last day of class AND have Bronze Cross.

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

• When: July 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 and 9, 2024
• Where: Elkford Aquatic Centre—Multipurpose Room 
• Instructor: Sarah Landry
• Time:
  • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Cost: $345.58 (tax included)
• Registration deadline: June 16, 2024 (for materials and pre-course assignments)
• Minimum: 4 / Maximum: 12
• Prerequisites: Must be minimum of 15 years of age by the last day of class AND have Bronze Cross
• Materials:
  • Instructor Materials (Mandatory): $163.80 (tax included)

Pool Program: Standard First Aid (OFA Level 1) 

Standard First Aid is the most comprehensive first aid training program available to the public, and this program is also a prerequisite for the National Lifeguard Program.  Candidates develop the skills and knowledge needed to assess and provide basic life support to victims with airway, breathing or circulation emergencies, as well as how to manage musculoskeletal and environmental emergencies.

For ages 14+. 

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

• When: July 31 and August 1, 2024
• Where: Community Centre Meeting Room (750 Fording Drive)
• Instructor: Sarah Landry
• Time:
  • 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cost: $226.73 (tax included)
• Registration deadline: July 21, 2024
• Minimum: 3 / Maximum: 12
• Prerequisites: Must be minimum of 14 years of age

Pool Program: National Lifeguard, Pool 

The National Lifeguard Pool Certification is designed to develop the fundamental values, judgement, knowledge, skills and fitness required by lifeguards.  The NL course emphasizes the principles of lifesaving while teaching the candidate the importance of decision-making processes which will assist in providing the most effective and safe swimming pool environment.

Must be minimum of 15+ years of age by the last day of class. Note that there are prerequisites for this course, listed below. 

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

• When: August 7, 8, 12, 13, 14 and 15, 2024
• Where: Elkford Aquatic Centre—Multipurpose Room 
• Instructor: Sarah Landry
• Time:
  • 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Cost: $410.37(tax included)
• Registration deadline: July 28, 2024
• Minimum: 6 / Maximum: 12
• Prerequisites: 
  • Must be minimum of 15+ years of age by the last day of class
  • Bronze Cross  (need not be current)
  • Standard First Aid with CPR C/AED (Must be from one of five recognized agencies, but need not be current)
  • Must provide proof of certifications at registration with a Lifesaving ID or a copy of the certifications
• Materials:
  • Alert Manual and Candidate Workbook (Mandatory) $51.66 (tax included)
  • Lifeguard Kit (Optional) $86.94 (tax included)

Download a printable PDF of the Spring 2024 Swimming Lesson Schedule

For more information, or to register, contact the Aquatic Centre at 250.865.4012 or pool@elkford.ca.

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.

For a full listing of fees and charges related to the Arena, view the Fees and Charges Bylaw.