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Cowichan Lake Sports Arena

Project Overview:

The Cowichan Lake Sports Arena project was the result of a long-term partnership with the Cowichan Valley Regional District, developed over approximately 10 years of planning, budgeting, and evaluating expansion and replacement options for the facility. With a total project value of approximately $7.6 million, the project involved a major renovation and addition to the existing arena, transforming it into a more modern, functional, and accessible community sports facility. The renewed arena was designed to better serve both recreational users and the broader community, combining upgraded sports infrastructure with flexible public-use spaces.
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Cowichan Valley Regional District

“The Cowichan Lake Sports Arena project reflects the value of strong relationships, thoughtful planning, and practical execution. After years of collaboration and preparation, the team delivered a revitalized facility that not only modernized the arena itself, but also created a more welcoming, flexible, and accessible space for the entire community.”

What Made This Project Unique:

What made this project unique was the way it combined a full arena modernization with broader community-focused amenities under one renovation. In addition to upgrading the NHL-sized rink and spectator experience, the project introduced warm viewing areas, multi-purpose rooms, meeting spaces, play school facilities, and enhanced accessibility features, making it much more than a traditional sports arena.

How We Made It Work:

We made the project work through a strong construction management approach built on years of planning and trust with the Cowichan Valley Regional District. That long-standing relationship allowed the team to enter construction with a deep understanding of the client’s goals, budget priorities, and community needs. By carefully coordinating the renovation of the existing facility with the addition of new amenities and infrastructure upgrades, the project successfully balanced technical improvements with user experience. The result was a revitalized NHL-sized arena that not only improved core operations, but also expanded the building’s role as a multi-purpose community hub.

Timeline:

Construction began in fall 2009 and the facility officially reopened in March 2011.

Scope:

The scope of work included a major renovation and expansion of the existing arena, including seismic upgrades

Style:

Community sports and recreation facility renovation with multi-use public amenities

Designer:

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Camila Velasquez

Manager of Business Development

Camila Velasquez brings a people-focused and globally informed perspective to Venture Pacific’s business development efforts. Her background spans real estate, property management, operations, and marketing, giving her a well-rounded understanding of how successful projects come together.

Before moving to Vancouver, Camila worked with international investors in Colombia, managing renovations and overseeing properties from concept through completion. Her experience allows her to connect strategy, design, and execution in a practical way.

At Venture Pacific, Camila leads new business initiatives and builds long-term relationships with homeowners, designers, and architects. She is known for her thoughtful communication, adaptability, and genuine interest in creating meaningful partnerships that support well-run projects.

Shanalisa Keller

Financial Controller

Shanalisa Keller brings over 20 years of experience as a CPA CGA, with a strong background supporting construction companies of varying sizes. Her expertise includes budgeting, financial reporting, tax planning, and compliance.

At Venture Pacific, Shanalisa oversees financial management and ensures accurate cost tracking, timely payments, and compliance with regulatory requirements, including WorkSafe BC. Her work supports the project management team behind the scenes, ensuring projects remain financially organized and transparent.

Shanalisa is known for her precision, reliability, and calm approach. Her oversight plays a critical role in maintaining financial clarity and confidence for both the team and homeowners.

Brandon Whitlock

Senior Project Manager

Brandon Whitlock brings over 23 years of construction experience to Venture Pacific, including 18 years as a Master Electrician. His background gives him a deep technical understanding of how complex residential projects come together and how to keep them running smoothly.

As a project manager, Brandon oversees coordination, scheduling, and day-to-day execution, ensuring details are addressed before they become issues. He is known for his steady approach, practical problem-solving, and ability to keep projects moving forward while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.

Homeowners value Brandon’s clear communication and calm presence. He brings structure and reliability to every project, helping ensure timelines, budgets, and expectations remain aligned from start to finish.

Doug Harrison

Senior Site Manager

With more than 50 years in the construction industry, Doug Harrison brings a depth of experience that few can match. Over his career, he has worked across all aspects of residential construction, from hands-on framing to overseeing large-scale builds.

Now semi-retired, Doug provides advisory support to Venture Pacific on select projects. His role focuses on mentorship, quality oversight, and guidance in complex or unexpected situations.

Doug’s presence brings reassurance and perspective. His decades of experience help strengthen decision-making and uphold the high standards Venture Pacific maintains on every project.

Zach McMillan

Project Manager

Zach McMillan has over 14 years of experience in residential and commercial construction, with a strong foundation as a skilled carpenter. His hands-on background gives him a sharp eye for quality and a practical understanding of what it takes to execute complex builds on site.

Zach supports Venture Pacific projects by coordinating trades, managing schedules, and maintaining site organization and safety. He is proactive, detail focused, and known for identifying potential challenges early so they can be addressed efficiently.

His ability to balance technical knowledge with clear coordination helps ensure projects progress smoothly and meet the level of craftsmanship Venture Pacific is known for.

Mark Van Ek

Founder and President

With more than 39 years in construction management and building, Mark Van Ek brings steady leadership and deep experience to every Venture Pacific project. His background spans residential, commercial, and large-scale public facilities across British Columbia and Western Canada, giving him a unique ability to guide complex projects with clarity and confidence.

Mark is known for his calm, straightforward approach and his belief that successful projects start with alignment, transparency, and thoughtful planning. He leads with the mindset that construction should feel collaborative rather than adversarial, placing homeowners and the project team on the same side of the table from the very beginning.

At Venture Pacific, Mark’s role is to set the standard for how projects are planned, managed, and communicated, ensuring every client feels informed, supported, and confident throughout the building journey.