Diving in: 7 pool projects helping Canadians beat the heat

Builders are helping Canadians across the country stay cool this summer. We decided to round up all the biggest, most interesting pool projects. This includes new builds, recent renovations and more. Let’s dive in!

Kitsilano Pool Restoration

Kitsilano Pool, a cherished Vancouver landmark, received a much-needed restoration this summer thanks to a swift repair project. Facing closure due to numerous issues like slab uplift, pipe failures, and water loss, the City fast-tracked repairs in July 2024. Crews tackled the 50-year-old pool’s deteriorating components, including the pool membrane and concrete structure. The project aimed to ensure Kitsilano Pool’s continued operation for future summers, allowing residents to cool off and enjoy this iconic saltwater pool near the beach.

Spani Outdoor Pool Renewal / Coquitlam, B.C.:

A revitalized outdoor pool experience is on the way for Coquitlam swimmers for summer 2024 with the completion of the Spani Outdoor Pool Renewal project. This major renovation tackles a beloved but aging facility, originally built over 50 years ago. Construction began in spring 2023 and aims to breathe new life into the pool while prioritizing accessibility and sustainability. The project encompasses the refurbishment of the existing eight-lane, 25-meter competition pool and dive tank. Additionally, a new accessible ramp will be incorporated, ensuring everyone can enjoy the aquatic offerings.Sustainability also takes center stage, with the project implementing eco-friendly technologies to promote energy efficiency.

Riverside South Recreation Complex / Ottawa, Ont.

Ottawa residents in Riverside South can look forward to a brand new recreation complex as part of the city’s 2024 draft budget. The $66.4 million project is slated for construction between 2026 and 2031, bringing much-needed aquatic and recreational facilities to the growing community. The complex will boast a new 25-meter pool, a leisure pool ideal for families and young children, two new ice rinks, and a spacious gymnasium. This multi-use facility will provide residents with a variety of options for leisure activities, fitness programs, and community events.

Canada Games Aquatic Centre in Kamloops, B.C.:

The Canada Games Aquatic Center (CGAC) in Kamloops, British Columbia underwent a major renovation and rehabilitation project, the first of its kind in the province to use an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) agreement. This $14.2 million project not only modernized the city’s main indoor pool but also achieved a remarkable 97% diversion of construction waste from landfill and reinvested $1 million in savings back into the project.

Major aquatic facility / Ottawa, Ont.

Ottawa’s 2024 draft budget allocates $3.9 million to begin development on a new, large-scale aquatic center. This facility is planned to be a major aquatic hub for the city, boasting a competition-ready 50-meter pool. The center will cater to both competitive and recreational swimmers by adhering to current aquatic sports standards. Designed to host national aquatic events, the center has the potential to become a focal point for aquatic competitions in Ottawa. While the initial allocation jumpstarts the project, the draft budget also includes plans for an additional $35 million to be spent in 2025, suggesting a multi-year construction timeline. 

Burnaby Lake pool / Burnaby, B.C.

Burnaby Lake is getting a new pool and arena complex after years of delays and budget adjustments. Construction is set to begin this July following council approval of a $252.9 million contract with Ventana Construction. This price tag is higher than originally planned, but significant reductions in building size helped bring the project closer to its initial budget. The new complex will replace the aging C.G. Brown Pool and Burnaby Lake Arena.

Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre / Saskatoon, Sask.

Saskatoon’s Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre is undergoing a major renovation project to address aging infrastructure and improve accessibility. Originally built in 1976, the pool suffered from leaking basins, outdated mechanics, and energy inefficiency. The project encompasses upgrades to the competition and leisure pools, washrooms and change rooms, building systems, and the roof. Accessibility features and energy-saving measures are a priority. The project faced initial setbacks due to bids exceeding budget, but a revised scope and additional funding secured a construction start in July 2024.