Frequently Asked Questions
What is being proposed as the Parksville Aquatic and Recreation Centre?
We are proposing a modern, multi-purpose recreation complex which will include aquatics (six lane,
25 metre pool, leisure pool, therapeutic channel, play spaces) as well as a community recreation centre with multi-purpose space, gymnasium and indoor walking track.
Why was the Despard Avenue location chosen as test site?
Chosen for conceptual design purposes, the Despard Avenue site is City-owned property, a short distance from a well populated residential area and from the centre of the City. The site is near existing recreational and sports facilities at Springwood Park. To purchase a site sufficient to accommodate a pool and multiplex, with allowances for future expansion in the long term, it is anticipated a minimum cost of about $5 million would be required. The site does not require amendments to the Official Community Plan or zoning bylaw.
Were other locations considered as the test site?
Yes. Council originally identified three potential locations for the request for proposals; the Jensen Avenue block, the former landfill site off Tuan Road and the Despard property, information released to the public in September 2019. When proposals were received, Council directed staff to use Despard as a test site. The Jensen block was listed for sale and the industrial area is a known contaminated site, which would increase costs future development costs. Privately owned parcels would increase the project costs by several million dollars and would require an amendment to the Official Community Plan.
How will this proposed project affect the Parksville Wetlands?
The proposed location is expected to have no impact on the wetlands, located some distance away, and the proposed location assists with preserving second growth trees to the south of the site (as noted in the environmental overview assessment report prepared by WSP Canada and available on the project site). For Phase 1 of the feasibility study, the Despard Avenue site was selected as a test site for conceptual design and further consideration. Most of the facility is envisioned to be located on non-parkland parcels owned by the City. A small section of park is shown as providing potential parking and access for the multiplex facility and Parksville Wetlands. This section is about 0.8 hectares (less than 2 acres) of the 35.4 hectares (90 acres) Parksville Wetlands property.
Will the proposed project affect water supply?
The preliminary environmental assessment indicates the watercourses in the project area do not interact with the wetland features, but enhancement work for the watercourses could be designed to benefit the ecology of the wetlands and other features to the north, located on the parkland.
Can this project be constructed on this land?
In 1997, the Wetlands property, when it was privately owned by the Ermineskin Cree Nation, the City registered an agreement to allow for public recreation access to the land. The proposed site is outside the covenant area which is wholly unaffected by the proposed project.
Will our local First Nations be consulted?
We will consult with Snaw-naw-as and Qualicum First Nations throughout the next phase of the project. We will explore First Nations’ interest in partnerships on artwork, interpretative landscaping and community cultural programming for the centre.
What community consultation has occurred to date?
During phase 1, nine engagement sessions were hosted by the consultant with community stakeholder groups, Council and senior staff. The results of these sessions may be viewed in the feasibility study in the public engagement section of this site. Community engagement was started by Council in January 2019 with the Mayor’s Roundtable event.
How can I be involved and how can I comment?
There will be many opportunities for the community to be involved with this project. Because of the pandemic, scheduled in person public consultation was postponed until spring/summer of this year. Until the restrictions on gathering are lifted, we will provide online opportunities for public input and we will provide in-person consultation opportunities when it is safe to do so.
- Opportunities on Let’s Talk Parksville to submit questions, comments, stories
- Email comments to letstalk@parksville.ca
What studies or assessments have been completed?
Along with the final feasibility study completed by HDR Architecture Associates, reports are listed under Project Key Documents on this site and include Environmental Overview Assessment for Despard Site, preliminary siting for Despard Avenue site, a general tree assessment report and civil site servicing report.
What studies or assessments will be completed in future?
This is a major project and we will require input from many professionals at different stages. Moving forward, the next phase will include several additional site assessments such as hydrogeological assessment, ecological and riparian area assessment, detailed traffic study, servicing requirements, geotechnical analysis of building area, etc. When complete, studies will be posted to Let’s Talk Parksville.
Will this facility be accessible when constructed?
Yes, the multiplex will meet all accessibility requirements for persons with disabilities.
What is the zoning at the proposed site and does it permit building of this facility?
The land at the Despard Avenue site is zoned A-1 Agricultural which permits a range of rural uses and the City’s zoning bylaw permits parks, recreation facilities and civic uses in all zones so rezoning is not required to allow the proposed recreation facility use.
What is the anticipated cost of the project?
Council established a budget cap of $50 million for all aspects of design and construction of this new facility. Currently, it is too early in the process to determine exact costs. Once the public has had the opportunity to weigh in on the scope, possible phasing of the project, final design components, operating model, programming options and governance framework, we will be in a much better position to provide costing estimates and scenarios.
How much can I expect to pay?
All elements explained in the previous question will determine final costs to individual taxpayers. Regional participation is a key element in determining this cost as well. If residents in electoral areas share service costs, Parksville’s per household costs would be reduced because the cost would be shared among more residents. As well, the cost to taxpayers will vary depending on the available grants.
Are any federal or provincial grants available for this project?
We will look to available grant funding, which will be crucial to the success of this project. The detailed design and estimated project costs are required prior to grant application. To apply for grants, a project site must be selected.
Is the Regional District of Nanaimo part of this project?
This is a City of Parksville initiative; however, we are actively discussing possible governance options with the RDN. Regional participation is a key element when determining the cost per household as the borrowing cost would be shared among more residents. We expect these discussions to continue throughout the process.
What are the next steps in the process?
Immediate first steps include appointment of the City’s project manager, issuing the request for proposals for a consultant for the coordination of the many technical studies and assessments followed by completion of the detailed design and cost estimates. As well, this consultant will develop and facilitate a robust public engagement.
What are the approval processes?
Prior to the asking residents to approve the project, there will be substantial community consultation and with the outcome of this engagement, the consultant will complete the detailed design and cost estimates. The City would then be able to obtain approval of its electors through assent voting, more commonly referred to as a referendum when Council would seek approval of electors to borrow the funds to build the facility. This is done in accordance with strict rules set out in the Local Government Act, Community Charter and the Local Elections Campaign Financing Act. Much more information would be provided to residents at that time.
When would a referendum be held?
Following public consultation, completion of detailed design and cost estimates, we anticipate a referendum could be held in late 2021. A referendum will not proceed until there are accurate cost estimates for a final design.
If borrowing for the project is approved, how long until the facility is built?
Once approval is received, the City would move forward with request for proposals for construction, expected to take between 24 and 30 months.