Реновация бассейна Ravensong стоимостью 13,5 млн долларов начнется осенью 2027 года

Ravensong Aquatic Centre renovations moving ahead with $13.5M project Published 5:35 am Saturday, August 15, 2026 Renovations to the Ravensong Aquatic Centre are moving forward with a scaled-back $13.5-million project that will improve the aging Qualicum Beach facility’s energy efficiency, accessibility and mechanical systems. The Regional District of Nanaimo announced Friday the renovations are expected to begin in fall 2027 and will be funded with $7 million from the federal government’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program and $6.5 million from the Ravensong Aquatic Centre capital reserve fund. The RDN said the project is expected to produce an estimated 47.5 per cent reduction in annual energy use and an 83.9 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared with the existing building. The energy savings are estimated at approximately $22,000 per year. “We are grateful to the federal government for its $7-million contribution, which will help ensure Oceanside residents have access to a pool facility that is safer, more accessible and better able to serve the community,” said Stuart McLean, RDN chair. “These upgrades also support the board’s commitment to managing impacts of climate change by taking reasonable measures where there is an opportunity to reduce energy use, lower emissions and improve the resilience of our public facilities.” Planned work includes upgrades to the facility’s heating, filtration and pump systems, along with other building systems and measures intended to improve resilience to climate-related risks. The existing pool deck tile will also be replaced and the deck slopes regraded to make movement around the pool safer and easier. Improvements to the lobby and changerooms are intended to reduce accessibility barriers and make the facility easier to use. Ravensong, which opened in 1995, remains the most-used indoor recreation facility in the PQB area. However, the facility has been unable to meet community demand since 2006, resulting in oversubscribed pool space and limits on the number and variety of programs that can be offered. The revised project does not include the expansion that had been proposed to address that demand. In April 2025, eligible electors in Parksville, Qualicum Beach and RDN Electoral Areas E, F, G and H voted against borrowing up to $30 million for a larger Ravensong expansion. Following the referendum, the RDN board directed staff to develop a revised project that could still make use of the $7-million federal funding contribution without expanding the facility. Staff presented the revised scope at the June 25, 2026 Oceanside Services Committee meeting, with the RDN board approving the project on July 14. “Community facilities like the Ravensong Aquatic Centre play an important role in bringing people together and supporting healthy, active lifestyles,” said federal Secretary of State for Seniors Stephanie McLean. “These upgrades will improve the experience for residents and visitors in Qualicum Beach while reducing energy consumption and helping build stronger, greener communities.” The project is supported by existing RDN funds and will have no tax implications for residents.