Now Open!
Celebrate the grand opening and enjoy an action packed day of free activities at təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre. Explore the facility and learn about the many programs and services available.
June 1, 2024
11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Construction Update – April 2024
The wait is almost over! We are pleased to announce that təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre will open on April 29!
During this phased opening, drop-in and registered programming will be offered in the community centre areas including the fitness centre, indoor cycling studio, both gymnasiums, and multi-purpose rooms. The community gathering space, located in the main lobby is open to all.
Please note the aquatic centre is set to open on May 14.
Now hiring lifeguards & swim instructors!
We are seeking qualified and enthusiastic individuals to join the aquatics team at the new state-of-the-art təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre. Applications are now being accepted. Apply before February 18, 2024.
Requirements:
- CPR “C” level, current within 1 year of last certification
- National Lifeguard Certificate, current within 2 years of last certification
- Swim Instructor (formerly Red Cross Water Safety Instructor), current within 2 years of last certification
- Must be available for in-water skill assessment at the City Centre Aquatic Complex in Coquitlam for one session between February 23 – 25, 2024
For full job requirements and to apply, please visit newwestcity.ca/employment
New West Physio coming to təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Center
The City of New Westminster is pleased to announce that New West Physio will be opening an active rehabilitation clinic in the new təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Center. With a grand opening expected in mid-summer 2024, physiotherapists, and long-time New Westminster residents, Antonio Zenone and Katie MacPherson, are excited to bring their skills and expertise to the new, state-of-the-art facility. Interested individuals and groups can learn more at www.newwestpt.ca
New Child Care Facility
The City of New Westminster is pleased to announce that the new licensed child care program at təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre will be operated by the YMCA and will be able to accommodate 37 infant, toddler, and preschool-aged children. The centre anticipates opening in May 2024.
Sea Otter YMCA Child Care Centre will be a licensed early years child care program led by professional Early Childhood Educators. The program follows the YMCA’s Playing to Learn curriculum, which provides children with the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive while enjoying a safe and welcoming environment. Families interested in registering their children can learn more at www.gv.ymca.ca/child-care or join the waitlist at onehsn.com/ymcagv/ux_2_0
Facility Rentals
Rental space at təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre is available for non-profit organizations, public schools, or commercial groups in need of a regular, weekly rental space such as pool space, gymnasium, meeting or multipurpose room.
For more information on available rental spaces and to submit a request, please visit newwestcity.ca/təməsew̓txʷ
Explore The Project
The new 10,644 square metre aquatic and community centre has been carefully designed to meet the needs and priorities of our community. Informed by the findings from the public engagement process, along with a demand study, the new facility integrates principles of flexibility, accessibility, sustainability, social connection and connectivity to nature.
About Our Name
The City of New Westminster is pleased to announce that the name of the new aquatic and community centre in New Westminster will be təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre. The name is the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ word for “sea otter house.”
The name was selected by a Naming Advisory Panel comprised of representatives from local First Nations and urban Indigenous representatives. The name təməsew̓txʷ is a combination of two words: “təməs” – meaning: sea otter; and “ew̓txʷ” – meaning: house. Find out about the naming process, meaning and how to pronounce təməsew̓txʷ
Construction
The new aquatics and community centre will be built adjacent to Canada Games Pool and Centennial Community Centre where the Sixth Avenue parking lot is currently located. For more information on construction and project updates, please visit our Construction page.
News and Updates
Update – June 2020
Construction & Funding Update
Construction on the New Westminster Aquatics and Community Centre will be temporarily suspended as a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on municipal operations.
Key deliverables have been completed, including the design documents. As the recovery phase of the pandemic continues to evolve and the financial impacts are more fully understood, New Westminster City Council will re-evaluate the situation and provide further direction on construction timelines this fall.
The City of New Westminster has also been recently informed that its grant application to the Community, Culture and Recreation Federal/Provincial bilateral funding stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) was unsuccessful.
As a result of this funding outcome, and in accordance with Council’s prior decisions regarding the project scope and its contingency upon significant grant funding, the final design has focused on the Community Recreation Facility option. This option includes an eight-lane 50 m pool with two moveable bulkheads, a moveable floor, and spectator seating to maximize flexibility and use of this space. This will include the ability to host local swim competitions.