aCTIVITIES IN ARMSTRONG
For residents and visitors of Armstrong, recreational activities are in abundance with local golf courses, an outdoor swimming pool, spray park, skateboard park, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, curling rinks, churches and various community halls. Armstrong is home to the Junior B North Okanagan Knights and the Armstrong Shamrocks. Bring the whole family along to watch all home games at the Nor Val Sports Centre.
Parks and Recreation facilities are administered by the Armstrong-Spallumcheen Parks and Recreation Commission, which is a joint function of the City of Armstrong and the Township of Spallumcheen. Inquiries regarding any facilities or functions may be made by contacting the Commission office located upstairs in the NorVal Arena, 3351 Park Drive, P.O. Box 88, Armstrong, B.C. V0E 1B0. Contact may also be made by phone 250-546-9456, by fax 250-546-9434, or by email to Armstrong@icesports.com.
sPECIAL eVENTS IN aRMSTRONG
Armstrong embraces numerous non-profit and private special events throughout the year. These events serve as opportunities to enrich and celebrate our cultural identity, community spirit, pride, and unique sense of place. Recognizing their significant contribution to economic development, the City acknowledges that many of these events draw tourists and residents to the downtown core, thereby supporting local businesses.
The City has an obligation to ensure that all events are safe, structured and serve the needs of the residents, visitors, and businesses with a balanced approach. Special Event Applications are required from organizations and individuals wishing to hold special events on City-owned locations or on City streets or sidewalks and require approval prior to hosting an event. These applications must be submitted and approved prior to the event.
Applicants for special events are required to submit the following:
1. The application completed in full, including all necessary documentation, at least 90 calendar days before the planned event.
2. Written notification to all stakeholders.
3. Event mapping or site layout.
4. Emergency response plan, including provisions for first aid coverage.
5. Special Occasions license/permit, if applicable.
6.Noise bylaw exemption, if applicable.
7. Traffic Safety Management Plan, Waste and Recycling Management Plan, and, and in some circumstances, arrangements for accessible washrooms.
8. Proof of Insurance certificate indemnifying the City against any lawsuits, damages, losses, costs, or expenses.
9. Payment of all deposits, fees, and additional costs associated with special events requiring extra City resources or policing support. Events with large attendance, alcohol service, or known associated risks necessitate policing support and may require Council approval.
Staff may request event authorization from Council based on the following criteria:
A. Security and or policing additional policing support requirements may exist.
B. There is an increased liability and risk due to the size and or nature of the event.
C. Additional fees and charges may be required; or
D. Significant impacts to stakeholders have been identified.
Arenas, Halls and Auditoriums
If you enjoy ice skating during the winter months , this is the place to be. Active minor hockey and figure skating organizations provide programs for boys and girls at all levels. Several recreational old-timers hockey teams call Hassen Arena home. For those not interested in organized sports, weekly times are set aside for skating for all ages from Parents and Tots when you can either bring your baby in a stroller or on a sled, to Adults Only who glide gracefully to the Skater’s Waltz.
For specific times, call our information line at 250-546-9456. During the months of April to July, the arena vibrates with the echo of Minor, Senior and Master Lacrosse leagues.
Hassen Memorial Arena –
Call 250-546-9456 for a schedule of events held at the arena.
Norval Arena –
Call 250-546-9456 for a schedule of events held at the arena.
Armstrong Curling Club
A non profit society which provides curling for all ages, this active group operates from October to March with leagues and instruction for ladies, men, mixed, junior and senior members.
Armstrong Curling Club – offers 3 sheets, licensed lounge, and always looking for new members. Located on 3315 Pleasant Valley Road PH: 250-546-9449.
Parks
The Armstrong-Spallumcheen Memorial Park
which contains playground equipment for all ages, a spray park, a skateboard park, beautiful flower beds, the Cenotaph memorial, picnic tables and open grass areas. Take a picnic lunch, have a swim in the public outdoor pool and let the kids play in the heated wading pool at Armstrong’s glorious shaded park. Located in the 3200 block of Pleasant Valley Road. For pool hours and programs call 250-546-9456.
Public Swimming Pool
An exquisite outdoor heated facility that is open from late May to (approximately) September 1st. The pool offers a complete learn-to-swim program during July and August with hours set aside for the enjoyment of swimming in an outdoor atmosphere. Public swimming information can be obtained from 250-546-9456.
Playing Fields
In addition to the three ball diamonds provided by the Commission, an agreement with the local School District provides four more ball diamonds and soccer fields. Successful ladies slo-pitch, minor hardball and soccer leagues provide the sport enthusiasts with many hours of enjoyment.
The world renowned Funtastic Mixed Slowpitch Tournament has an Armstrong Division and is held annually on the July 1st long weekend, and attracts teams from most parts of the province and Alberta.
Halls & Theatre
Asparagus Theatre – Armstrong’s exceptional amateur theatre company. For a calendar of showings call 250-546-3255.
Caravan Farm Theatre – World renowned professional theatre company. Productions, workshops, winter sleigh rides, private parties – located on Salmon River Road. ph: 250-546-8533 or for more information visit their website.
Clubs and Organizations
Armstrong & District Fish & Game Club -The Armstrong & District Fish & Game Club provides training, knowledge and expertise in the protection of our natural resources. Ph: 250-546-3428
4-H – The 4-H program provides young people with an opportunity to learn how to become productive, self-assured adults who can make their community and country a good place in which to live.
Lions – The Armstrong Lions Club Chartered in 1982 and has provided major aid to those in need in the Armstrong-Spallumcheen, and the larger community, in our attempt to make this a better place to live.
Kinsmen – Kinsmen, Kinette and Kin Club in Armstrong work to better their communities, enhance the well-being of Canadians, and have fun doing it.
interior provincial exhibition
Fairgrounds and Barns
Located within walking distance of the downtown core, pool, park and playground, the Armstrong Fairgrounds is the busiest facility in the community during the months of April to October. These facilities cater to the animal enthusiast with many organizations hosting horse and livestock shows. The facilities include two indoor showrings, two outdoor showings, 210 box stalls for stabling horses, indoor stabling for cattle, swine and goats, grandstand seating for 3,000 persons, public washrooms with shower facilities and camping areas complete with water and power supply.
So if you enjoy exhibiting your horsemanship skills or observing others demonstrating their abilities, the Armstrong Fairgrounds is the place to be. Commencing early Saturday mornings, your entire weekend could be spent enjoying the activities on the fairgrounds.
