Frequently asked questions

Why is there an admission policy?

Recreation Excellence makes every effort to ensure the safety of all our guests. Admission policies are established as a part of the facility rules, including items such as minimum age and requirements for supervision of children. 

What’s the difference between a fitness centre membership, wallet, or drop-in?

Memberships are available in 1, 3, 6, or 12-month packages. Fitness centre members have access to the weight room and cardio areas during posted hours of operation. Members are provided with a Recreation Excellence ID card that is scanned upon entry for quick and seamless access. Memberships do not include registered programs and cannot be transferred and used for another guest.

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Drop-ins are single, one-time use admission with no in/out privileges. Drop-ins have access to the facility amenity/activity during posted hours of operation. Drop-in activities are first come, first served.

Wallet can be used to load and reload funds for Upper Skeena Recreation Centre programs, services, and fees. Stop by the front office and set up your client account to activate the Recreation Excellence Wallet features.

Why do we have to take off our outdoor shoes?

Outdoor footwear brings in grit, mud, dirt, oils, and debris that damages the flooring and can be harmful to equipment like the treadmills, steps, and mats.  

We ask that guests participating in activities in the arena, gymnasium, or fitness centre remove your outdoor shoes at the facility entry doorway, carry them to your locker in the change room, and carry them back when you are done. 

Spectators going into the gymnasium seating area are expected to remove their outdoor shoes at the facility entry doorway (outdoor shoes are not permitted on the gymnasium floor).

Spectators going directly to the concourse area (arena viewing) are not expected to remove their footwear.

Who can use the universal change room?

Anyone can use the Universal change room as it is an inclusive space for guests with children, those requiring assistance, and people of all gender identities.   

What do I do if I lose something?

Please come in person to the front counter and describe the item that you lost. Recreation Excellence customer service representatives will be happy to reunite you with your lost item. Items are kept for a maximum of 1 month for the exception of personal hygiene items that get discarded. All lost and found items must be claimed in person as staff are unable to confirm items over the phone.  

Can I take pictures of my children in the facility?

In most cases we would be happy to permit picture taking, but we do need to be diligent to ensure that all guests are comfortable. It is important that the only visible subjects in your images are your family members, and certain situations pictures/videos may not be appropriate.

The use of any type of electronic recording equipment, including but not limited to, cell phones, cameras, video recorders, tablets, computers, etc is strictly prohibited in any of the change rooms and bathrooms within the facility. Please connect with the Recreation Excellence Customer Service Representative if you have any questions or concerns.

Can I breastfeed my baby in the facility?

Yes!

Do I need to go on the ice with my children during public skate or parent and tot skate?

For children under 12 years old, yes, you will need to be in your skates, wearing a helmet, and be on the ice. Guardians must be 19+ years to actively supervise a maximum of 5 children under 12 years of age.

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For children 12+ years, parent supervision is not required. You are welcome to drop them off and watch, or take this chance to rest, or get your own workout in.  
What time is public skating? 

Click here to see the scheduling page to find the type of skate that best suits your needs.

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You can also download our RECEX APP (coming soon!) and get all the information right on your mobile device! The advantage to our APP is that you can sign up to receive push notifications to receive timely updates. 

Our Customer Service Representatives are happy to help, just give them a call or stop by the registration desk and they are happy to assist you to find the best time for you and your family. 

I forgot my skates. Can I borrow a pair from the lost and found? 

Unfortunately, we cannot lend out other people’s items. But lucky for you we have hockey and roller skates for rent (subject to availability). Our friendly Customer Service Representatives can help you get set up. 

Do you have a helmet I can use?

Yes, we have a supply of CSA approved hockey helmets that can be borrowed (subject to availability). Please return the equipment after you are finished using it. 

Can I bring my Certified Service Dog into the facility?

Yes, both Certified Guide Dogs and Qualified Service Dogs that have been trained and tested have the right to access any location where the public is allowed. Please display your Service Dog ID Card to the Recreation Excellence Customer Service Representative to obtain entry.  Please note: The guide or service dog is not permitted into the ice surface, but can remain nearby for the duration of the handler’s activity and like anyone acting inappropriately, a person may be refused access or asked to leave if they or their guide or service dog is disruptive. 

Why does an arena close unexpectedly?

Our Recreation Excellence team works extremely hard to prevent all closures. Certified arena operators and our facility maintenance team perform numerous preventative maintenance tasks to keep the facility operating smoothly. Sometimes elements outside their control force amenities to close and this is just as frustrating for our team as it is for you. Rest assured, we would much rather see you and your family having fun and we are sincerely sorry anytime your expectations are not met.

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Our team will make every effort to communicate sudden closures using various methods. Staff will post notices on the RecEx App (coming soon!), on the website, via Instagram, and Facebook. Participants in a registered program may receive an email notification about the program schedule change, so make sure that your information is up to date in our system.

*HOT TIP* GET THE RECEX APP (coming soon!). A key feature of the app is the amenity closure notification. Once you have downloaded the app, click the notification tab, and subscribe to receive notifications on your favourite amenities.  

Emergency closures can be caused by: 

  • A medical emergency, where a person requires medical attention, and key staff are taken away from their regular duties to assist. Our Recreation Excellence team will need time to complete forms, debrief, and may need to bring in a new team before the facility or amenity can be safely reopened. 
  • A mechanical failure, where a piece of equipment is no longer working as it should. Our Recreation Excellence team will investigate various permanent to temporary solutions. Closures may be required to isolate, remove, repair, or replace the failed equipment. 
  • Public health orders may require facility closures, restricted capacity, or other specific requirements. These orders may be sudden with little notice and our team will ensure they are informed of the latest updates and requirements. We will always comply with provincial directives as your health and safety is paramount to us. 
Can the hours of operation change?

Recreation Excellence works to maximize facility use, while remaining fiscally responsible to the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine and the community. The hours of operation are reviewed regularly along with research on past and current facility demands as well as usage trends. Forecasts on usage and budget are generated and operational hours are selected in collaboration with the Regional District. 

Why are the facilities shut down for Annual Maintenance?

Regular planned maintenance is the best way to minimize the chances of emergency mechanical closures which helps keep the facilities in the best possible operating conditions.  During these shutdowns the facility operators will service, repair, and replace equipment that is either damaged or at the end of its service life (pumps, filters, injectors, etc). Systems are inspected and tested to ensure they are operating to standard (detectors and alarms). Surfaces that are hard to reach are deep cleaned and sanitized (areas like the rafters and air handling units).   

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These regularly scheduled shutdowns are planned well in advance, during slower seasons, and all programs, user groups, and members are kept well informed. Being able to schedule all the work at one time reduces the impact on our community, clubs, and all our guests.

Closure dates are posted in the membership Annual User Agreement Form. Posted membership fees are adjusted to reflect the annual maintenance closures.

If you have any other questions or would like to inquire in our services, contact us.

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