Proposed Parksville Aquatic and Recreation Centre

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*At the January 30, 2024, meeting, the Board of the Regional District of Nanaimo adopted the following resolution:

“It was moved and seconded that the Board abandon “Parksville Pool Feasibility Service Establishment Bylaw No. 1894, 2023.”

In July 2022, City staff presented a report to Council which included a preliminary site suitability review for three identified sites for consideration as the location of a future aquatic centre. The report was received for information.

At the July 17, 2023, meeting, Council approved a motion which was forwarded to the Regional District of Nanaimo:
THAT Council confirms the City of Parksville’s strong support for a new aquatic centre in the Parksville area and proposes that the RDN Board endorse this need and incorporate a capital project for a new aquatic centre governed and funded by benefitting jurisdictions in the Region and commence the work to identify suitable sites in the Parksville area.

On July 26, 2023, the District 69 Swimming Pool Service Select Committee recommended to the Regional District of Nanaimo Board that it support the request to examine the feasibility of a pool in the Parksville area.

On December 5, 2023, the Regional District of Nanaimo Board approved a motion to establish a bylaw for the Parksville Pool Feasibility Service. The cost of the study is $170,000 and will be shared by the City of Parksville, Town of Qualicum Beach and Electoral Areas E, F, G, and H.

On January 15, 2024, Parksville Council passed the resolution:
THAT the correspondence from the Regional District of Nanaimo dated December 13, 2023, regarding "Parksville Pool Feasibility Service Establishment Bylaw No. 1894, 2023" be received. THAT the Council of the City of Parksville consents on behalf of the electors to the adoption of "Parksville Pool Feasibility Service Establishment Bylaw No. 1894, 2023" and further, that the Regional District of Nanaimo be notified accordingly.

At the January 30, 2024, meeting, the Board of the Regional District of Nanaimo adopted the following
resolution:

“It was moved and seconded that the Board abandon “Parksville Pool Feasibility Service Establishment Bylaw No. 1894, 2023.”

Background
For the past twenty years, there has been considerable discussion about the need for a new swimming pool and more indoor recreational and community space in the Oceanside region. The concept for construction of a new swimming pool in Parksville arose from the Mayor’s Roundtable event and community engagement sessions in 2019. Through in-person meetings and resident surveys, Council determined five strategic priority areas for their term of office. Recreation and economic development were identified as two of the key priorities approved in the 2019-2022 strategic plan.

Council believes there is strong public support for investment in a swimming pool within Parksville boundaries to enhance community well-being, local recreational and fitness opportunities and attract and retain young families. Council is interested in the economic benefits of developing sports tourism facilities to serve residents and visitors; however, the primary focus is a pool and multiplex facility. The community activity centre or multiplex would also serve as a meeting or gathering space, becoming the hub for both sports and non-sports activities.

A new multiplex facility would create synergy between all ages and provide a place to bring people together, young families as well as active seniors. New rental housing and multi-family housing development now underway in Parksville will provide much needed housing for families with young children encouraged to move to our region.

There will be many steps in this process as the City moves this exciting project forward; steps which include developing the concept design further, defining a location as well as public engagement to facilitate input from the Parksville community.

Feasibility study
In 2019, Parksville Council directed staff to prepare a request for proposals for a feasibility study for a swimming pool and multiplex facility in Parksville. The feasibility study final report for the development of a modern, multi-purpose community recreation complex was presented to Council in late 2020 and included these elements:

  • Aquatics - six lane, 25 metre swimming pool, separate leisure water with zero entry, therapeutic swim channel, hot tub and play amenities/spaces.
  • Community recreation centre multiplex with public and multi-purpose space designed to meet flexible community needs and accommodate small, medium and large public events.
  • Gymnasium and indoor fitness track, roof top amenity.
  • Accessible change rooms.

In July 2019, Council directed staff to prepare a business case for the construction of a swimming pool, recreation centre and multiplex for the City of Parksville and in September 2019, directed staff to proceed with a request for proposals. HDR Architecture Associates, Inc. was chosen as the consultant tasked to examine the feasibility of a swimming pool and multiplex within City limits. This work included identifying funding models and a range of options for size and scale of use of the facility. Consultants were engaged to provide expert input and recommendations. Construction budgets were provided for the concept design options. Through consultation with an expert in recreation centre operations, several strategies and key insights on operating costs for this type of facility were also provided. The feasibility study which built on consultation with sports and recreation groups and the public, concluded there is a need for a new centre in Parksville.

Public Consultation – Engage with Us!
Phase 1 - Feasibility
Phase 2 - Detailed Design Phase
Despard Test Site
Financial Information

Do you have a question or comment?

*At the January 30, 2024, meeting, the Board of the Regional District of Nanaimo adopted the following resolution:

“It was moved and seconded that the Board abandon “Parksville Pool Feasibility Service Establishment Bylaw No. 1894, 2023.”

In July 2022, City staff presented a report to Council which included a preliminary site suitability review for three identified sites for consideration as the location of a future aquatic centre. The report was received for information.

At the July 17, 2023, meeting, Council approved a motion which was forwarded to the Regional District of Nanaimo:
THAT Council confirms the City of Parksville’s strong support for a new aquatic centre in the Parksville area and proposes that the RDN Board endorse this need and incorporate a capital project for a new aquatic centre governed and funded by benefitting jurisdictions in the Region and commence the work to identify suitable sites in the Parksville area.

On July 26, 2023, the District 69 Swimming Pool Service Select Committee recommended to the Regional District of Nanaimo Board that it support the request to examine the feasibility of a pool in the Parksville area.

On December 5, 2023, the Regional District of Nanaimo Board approved a motion to establish a bylaw for the Parksville Pool Feasibility Service. The cost of the study is $170,000 and will be shared by the City of Parksville, Town of Qualicum Beach and Electoral Areas E, F, G, and H.

On January 15, 2024, Parksville Council passed the resolution:
THAT the correspondence from the Regional District of Nanaimo dated December 13, 2023, regarding "Parksville Pool Feasibility Service Establishment Bylaw No. 1894, 2023" be received. THAT the Council of the City of Parksville consents on behalf of the electors to the adoption of "Parksville Pool Feasibility Service Establishment Bylaw No. 1894, 2023" and further, that the Regional District of Nanaimo be notified accordingly.

At the January 30, 2024, meeting, the Board of the Regional District of Nanaimo adopted the following
resolution:

“It was moved and seconded that the Board abandon “Parksville Pool Feasibility Service Establishment Bylaw No. 1894, 2023.”

Background
For the past twenty years, there has been considerable discussion about the need for a new swimming pool and more indoor recreational and community space in the Oceanside region. The concept for construction of a new swimming pool in Parksville arose from the Mayor’s Roundtable event and community engagement sessions in 2019. Through in-person meetings and resident surveys, Council determined five strategic priority areas for their term of office. Recreation and economic development were identified as two of the key priorities approved in the 2019-2022 strategic plan.

Council believes there is strong public support for investment in a swimming pool within Parksville boundaries to enhance community well-being, local recreational and fitness opportunities and attract and retain young families. Council is interested in the economic benefits of developing sports tourism facilities to serve residents and visitors; however, the primary focus is a pool and multiplex facility. The community activity centre or multiplex would also serve as a meeting or gathering space, becoming the hub for both sports and non-sports activities.

A new multiplex facility would create synergy between all ages and provide a place to bring people together, young families as well as active seniors. New rental housing and multi-family housing development now underway in Parksville will provide much needed housing for families with young children encouraged to move to our region.

There will be many steps in this process as the City moves this exciting project forward; steps which include developing the concept design further, defining a location as well as public engagement to facilitate input from the Parksville community.

Feasibility study
In 2019, Parksville Council directed staff to prepare a request for proposals for a feasibility study for a swimming pool and multiplex facility in Parksville. The feasibility study final report for the development of a modern, multi-purpose community recreation complex was presented to Council in late 2020 and included these elements:

  • Aquatics - six lane, 25 metre swimming pool, separate leisure water with zero entry, therapeutic swim channel, hot tub and play amenities/spaces.
  • Community recreation centre multiplex with public and multi-purpose space designed to meet flexible community needs and accommodate small, medium and large public events.
  • Gymnasium and indoor fitness track, roof top amenity.
  • Accessible change rooms.

In July 2019, Council directed staff to prepare a business case for the construction of a swimming pool, recreation centre and multiplex for the City of Parksville and in September 2019, directed staff to proceed with a request for proposals. HDR Architecture Associates, Inc. was chosen as the consultant tasked to examine the feasibility of a swimming pool and multiplex within City limits. This work included identifying funding models and a range of options for size and scale of use of the facility. Consultants were engaged to provide expert input and recommendations. Construction budgets were provided for the concept design options. Through consultation with an expert in recreation centre operations, several strategies and key insights on operating costs for this type of facility were also provided. The feasibility study which built on consultation with sports and recreation groups and the public, concluded there is a need for a new centre in Parksville.

Public Consultation – Engage with Us!
Phase 1 - Feasibility
Phase 2 - Detailed Design Phase
Despard Test Site
Financial Information

Do you have a question or comment?

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    Have there been any updates on this project? It looks like the last dates are for April 2022.

    RMills asked 10 months ago

    Hello, it has been since April 2022. The previous Council deferred the decision on the proposed facility to the Council elected this past October. Council recently completed the 2023-2026 strategic plan which may be viewed at this link https://letstalkparksville.ca/strategic-plan  Investment in recreation facilities is one of Council's priorities in their strategic plan. A staff report will come to Council for their consideration, most likely in September.

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    I have been taking my special needs son swimming every Sunday for the past 10 years at Ravensong Pool. This particular Sunday we were turned away because there was already the maximum number of people in the pool. My Question is, At what point does it make sense to continue arguing that area doesn't need a new pool? My taxes have gone up every one of those 10 years. Im pretty sure the population is high enough now , am I wrong?

    "You can't go in, we are maxed out" asked over 1 year ago

    We appreciate your comments and they will be provided to Council. The aquatic centre project will be considered by the new Parksville Council as part of their strategic planning in March. 

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    Thanks for your prompt reply regarding my suggestion of building the Aquatic Centre on Corfield Street near Despard Avenue. I’m puzzled that this particular property is not part of Parksville when it is virtually surrounded by the current city limits. Are you able to enlighten me without violating privacy rules? Could the City purchase the property and rezone it?

    Charlie Vanderwilt asked over 1 year ago

    The boundaries in that area are irregular. Please have a look on the City's map which can be accessed from Quicklinks on our website or https://maps.parksville.ca/portal/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c108cbb2daa440b0a1e3b794e8669984 

    As mentioned, this initiative is on hold pending reconsideration by our new Council.

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    Could the city purchase land on the east side of Corfield near the foot of Despard? That is a fairly central location, currently undeveloped, with good street access, near downtown and Seniors complex. I’m new in town so don’t know whether this location has already been considered.

    Charlie Vanderwilt asked over 1 year ago

    Hello, Thanks for posting the question. The land referenced to is located in the Regional District of Nanaimo, outside City of Parksville boundaries. A decision on whether to proceed on this project has yet to be considered by Council

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    Like others commenting here, I am a lap swimmer and a 50-metre pool is a way to go. Build for the future, not the present. It does not need to be indoors, just covered and open air. This can be done.

    Mark Beuerman asked over 1 year ago

    Thanks for providing a comment. In the coming months in a public meeting, the new Council will review the 2023 workplan and provide direction to staff. 

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    Wondering if there has been anymore consideration to a 50 meter pool? This would better accommodate swim lessons, lap swimmers, competition swimming, leisure swimming, and pool rentals?

    Ted asked over 1 year ago

    Hello. For now, this project is on hold until after the municipal election in October and there is a new Council for the City of Parksville. 

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    Wondering when one can anticipate a report on the Parksville pool project? You have mentioned a staff report going out April/May. Did I miss the announcement? Would love to know where and when this much needed facility will be constructed.

    Mandy asked almost 2 years ago

    Hello, the report will be presented to Council at the July 18 meeting. Agenda will be posted to the City's website on July 14. 

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    Are there plans for a sauna at the aquatic centre?

    Michael asked about 2 years ago

    Sauna will be considered; however, for now, the project is pending waiting determination of a suitable location. A staff report is expected in April or May.

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    With regards to a proper sized training pool for those who swim laps regularly had anyone considered also having an outdoor heated 50m training tank? The ravensong pool is ridiculously crowded and also the times available for lane swim only accommodate those who are retired and not the working force. The times are very limited and don't accommodate most working schedules.

    Jwade asked about 2 years ago

    Thanks for your comment - will be passed along for consideration.

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    What are the considerations for a 25m or 50m pool. As a regular “lap” swimmer I can say that Ravensong lanes are crowded. There are essentially 3 lanes and for swimmers of a moderate pace, much of that time is spent passing others. When the swim club is running, we are reduced to 1 lane. If more people can use the pool at the same time, at what point does the 50m pool become cost-efficient. Have other builds done these calculations already?

    Beth asked about 2 years ago

    Council is meeting on February 16 to discuss next steps and whether the proposed project will proceed. Following the meeting we will have more information. Residents will be provided with additional opportunity for input.