Frequently Asked Questions

There are a multitude of ways to get involved at Panorama. Browse through our program guide; come in and chat with our staff about courses; book a fitness training session or sign up for a course, or participate in planned giving — the possibilities are endless!

The Peninsula Recreation Commission, a body of the CRD, administers Panorama Recreation for the Town of Sidney and the Districts of North and Central Saanich. The Commission is responsible for the operation of the recreation service, setting policy and an annual capital and operating budget. The budget is forwarded to the CRD in October of each year. An administrator and staff are employed to run the service. The manager of Program Services at Panorama is Melanie Alsdorf.

• The Peninsula Recreation Commission

Yes. Panorama is open to all members of the public; costs are the same for residents of all municipalities.

The facility hours vary depending on the area which you are attending. For example the arena facilities may open earlier/later than the weight room or racquet courts. Please refer to our home page for a list of our drop in schedules for hours and programs offered.

Drop in and extended visit rates are explained on our Admission Rates page. Prices drop significantly when you purchase 10 or more visits at a time, or purchase a monthly Active Pass. Families can also enjoy Panorama for only $13.50 for two adults and up to three children—a great way to spend quality time together.

Yes. Panorama Recreation is pleased to offer the LIFE (Leisure Involvement for Everyone) program. It is designed to provide no cost and low-cost recreation opportunities for individuals and families on limited incomes.

The LIFE program admission passes offer free, or reduced fee options for a variety of activities. Passes are available for children over 4 years of age, teens and adults/seniors. Read more >>

• In the Weight Room there is a restriction of 15 years plus unless the youth has taken the Weight Training for Teens program
• Drop-in fitness classes have a minimum of 12 years of age. For Family Fitness or Family Yoga, the minimum age is 7 years
• In the Pool, children 6 yrs and under must be within arms’ reach of an adult (19yrs+) in the water at all times.

• Weight room at Panorama
• Weight room at Greenglade

Our Aquatic area has

• Two 25 metre lanes
• Lazy river and therapeutic pool
• Tot's pool
• Water park toy features
• Steam room and hot tub

• Main Pool 28.4 °C 83.1 °F
• Leisure Pool 32 °C 89.6 °F
• Swirl Pool 39.5 °C 103 °F

By the squash courts. One can attain a key from the reception desk.

All lockers accept tokens only. Tokens are available for purchase at reception. The cost is 25¢ per token or 25 for $5. Small lockers take 1 token, large lockers take 2 tokens. All lockers are for day use only ($10 charge for lost keys). Lockers are available on a first-come first-served basis.

• Goggles
• Swim Caps
• Nose Plugs
• Ear Plugs
• Little Swimmers
• Hockey Tape
• Squash Balls
• Tennis Balls
• Water Bottles
• Towels

We have ice skates, squash, racquetball and tennis racquets. A valid Picture ID is required for racquets (Driver's License, School ID etc). Helmets are available to borrow at no cost.

• Rental Fees

• Pass refunds are available only for medical or long-term relocation "out of the city" reasons. There is a $10 administration charge and the pass use will be prorated. Documentation must be presented. Passes are not transferable.
• Passes can be renewed at our Reception desk or on-line.
• You can put your pass on hold only for medical exceptions. Documentation must be presented.
• Passes must be presented at each visit for every pass holder entering the facility. Failure to produce a valid pass may result in a general admission charge.

No.

Panorama is funded by a property value tax, user fees, donations, grants and cost sharing.

We provide opportunities for you to be involved in meaningful volunteer placements that will provide the ability to gain work experience and new skills, meet new people, enrich lives and give back to the community. Positions vary in the departments of fitness and weights, aquatics, arena programs, special events, and various youth and adult programs. Check out our volunteer page where you will find the steps to volunteering with Panorama, current volunteer opportunities and an application form.

Panorama Recreation has a variety of advertising opportunities from rink board to pool wall boards as well as our seasonal brochure. Advertisement in our facilities and printed program guides can reach over ten thousand Greater Victoria residents and visitors seasonally. Please contact Lisa Sneek, Marketing and Promotions.

Yes, many! An entire section of our programming is dedicated to classes held at Greenglade Community Centre on Lannon Way in Sidney, BC. Panorama holds classes and works cooperatively at 18 community centres and schools on the peninsula including the Central Saanich Cultural Centre and the North Saanich Middle School Neighbourhood of Learning. Whatever you're looking for in recreation, it's likely you'll be able to find it nearby.

Recreation used to be viewed as something pleasant which we did when we had time. This perception has undergone significant change in recent years. Individuals and communities have realized—and research continues to demonstrate—the broad reaching benefits associated with recreation and active living. The 1997 Benefits Catalogue, produced by the REThink Group for Health Canada, the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association and Parks and Recreation Ontario, identifies eight major benefits areas. These are:

• Recreation and active living are essential to personal health
• Recreation is a key to balanced human development
• Recreation and parks are essential to quality of life
• Recreation reduces self-destructive and anti-social behaviour
• Recreation and parks build strong families and healthy communities
• Recreation reduces health care, social service and police/justice costs
• Recreation and parks are significant economic generators
• Parks, open space and natural areas are essential to ecological survival