Region Launches RecCowichan - A Shared Tool for Recreation Registration

(Cowichan, BC) - Registering for recreation activities is about to get easier in the Cowichan Valley. On August 30, the Town of Ladysmith, Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) and the Municipality of North Cowichan will launch an integrated tool to allow residents in the region to register for classes, lessons, programs, and training delivered by the region's recreation centres by:

• Visiting a single website: www.reccowichan.ca
• Phoning any recreation facility in the region
• Visiting any recreation facility in the region in person

"Staff from all three local governments have been working closely to deliver this exciting regional partnership," says John Elzinga, the CVRD's General Manager of Community Services. "This partnership aims to save residents time and effort, recognizing that people recreate across the entire Cowichan Region."

"Merging the independent recreation systems across municipalities is a big feat," says Don Stewart, North Cowichan's Deputy Director of Parks, Forestry and Recreation. "We ask that residents be patient as we launch the new registration software and transition to a new system. Give yourself some extra time on and after August 30 to register for your recreation activities."

"We are excited to offer Ladysmith residents the option to easily and securely view and register for regional recreation activities online," says Clayton Postings, Town of Ladysmith Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture. "While residents are still welcome to register by phone or in person, this new online access is a quick and convenient way to sign up and pay for your favourite programs."

Facility users with an existing online registration account will be required to create a new account and/or verify their information with the launch of the new system to ensure that their member information is up to date. Those who have already updated their account information will receive an email on or before August 30 with login information for online access to the new system. Facility users with a membership card will be issued a new card the first time they visit a recreation facility on or after August 30; remaining membership time or visit balances will be transferred to the new card.

The RecCowichan registration system supports services at:

• Cowichan Aquatic Centre
• Fuller Lake Arena
• Frank Jameson Community Centre (Ladysmith)
• Island Savings Centre
• Cowichan Lake Recreation
• South Cowichan Recreation