The VIJHL's Oceanside Generals are pursuing an alternate plan for a required dedicated team dressing room. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW staff

change in direction

Oceanside Generals adjust dedicated dressing room plan

Apr 27, 2025 | 7:01 AM

PARKSVILLE — Prior plans to build a new dressing room for the Oceanside Generals have been put on ice in favour of a revamped approach.

An envisioned construction project for a new dressing room beyond the penalty boxes at Howie Meeker Arena is no longer feasible, a recent Regional District of Nanaimo board meeting heard.

The Generals, a non-profit, society operated junior hockey team, was awarded $250,000 in RDN funding in the fall of 2023 to make the club’s original vision come to fruition.

‘There has been a shift in regards to what the Generals can do. There’s easement challenges on the outside of the building and there’s a funding issue,” Tom Osbourne, RDN general manager of parks and recreation said.

An RDN staff report states the desired dressing room can be established within an existing Howie Meeker Arena storage room, as opposed to building on a portion of the back parking lot of the Wembley Mall property.

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The report estimates receiving a necessary development permit from the City of Parksville would take three to six months, which could see construction begin at the earliest this August.

Following the new dressing room’s completion, the RDN will own the asset, while the Generals have expressed they would provide funding and resources required to operate and maintain it, according to the RDN.

Since shifting to a Junior A classification under an independent league, the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) initiated standards for dressing room requirements for its member teams.

According to the league, those requirements include adequate space for a full roster and staff, the ability to leave gear and any other necessary equipment, as well as suitable restroom and laundry facilities.

The Oceanside Generals, members of the VIJHL since 1990, won their fourth league title in 2023.

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