Proposed Parksville Aquatic and Recreation Centre
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?
On July 18, City staff presented Council with a follow up report which included a preliminary site suitability review for three identified sites for consideration as the location of a future aquatic and recreation centre. Council received the report for information and will provide staff with direction at a later date. In the meantime, please share your ideas on this site and continue to check back for further information.
For the pastContinue reading
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?
On July 18, City staff presented Council with a follow up report which included a preliminary site suitability review for three identified sites for consideration as the location of a future aquatic and recreation centre. Council received the report for information and will provide staff with direction at a later date. In the meantime, please share your ideas on this site and continue to check back for further information.
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.
Please leave your comments here.
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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 5 months agoWe 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 6 months agoThe 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 6 months agoHello, 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 7 months agoThanks 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 10 months agoHello. 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 12 months agoHello, 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 1 year agoSauna 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 over 1 year agoThanks 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 over 1 year agoCouncil 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.
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Dear Council I raised my children in Parksville, hoping all the while for development of a swimming pool complex. Now my grandchildren are growing up in this wonderful community. How much more amazing would it be with a full-sized, accessible multiplex. Please record me as being in complete favour of such a development. Sincerely, Brian Robertson
Brian asked over 1 year agoCouncil is meeting on February 16 to discuss next steps and whether the project should proceed. Following the meeting we will have more information. Your comment will be provided to Council.
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Comments may be emailed to:
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Phone 250 954-3073 Email letstalk@parksville.ca
Reference Documents
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Mayor’s Roundtable 2019 Results - PART 1
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Mayor’s Roundtable 2019 Results - PART 2
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Strategic Priorities Survey 2019
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Parksville Strategic Plan 2019-2022
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Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 1492
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State of Recreation in District 69 (Oceanside) Research Report, 2017
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Regional District of Nanaimo District 69 (Oceanside) Recreation Services Master Plan, 2018
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Letter of Support from G Filipski
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Alternate Site Locations Considered
Photos
Archived Key Dates
Key Dates 2021
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COMPLETED
Proposed Parksville Aquatic and Recreation Centre has finished this stage- Staff report to Council
- Launch of information on Let’s Talk Parksville
- RFP for project consultant
- Assessments and studies
- Appointment of advisory working group
- Community engagement and consultation (HDR)
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Ongoing or anticipated
Proposed Parksville Aquatic and Recreation Centre is currently at this stage- Community engagement and events
- Project management
- First Nations engagement and consultation
- Grant/funding research
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2022-2025 - Anticipated should project proceed
this is an upcoming stage for Proposed Parksville Aquatic and Recreation Centre- Completion of site plan process and detailed design
- Referendum/Assent Voting
- When detailed design is complete, construction of the pool and multiplex is expected to take between 24 and 30 months.