Construction Update – September 2023
Work on təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre continues to advance with several key areas nearing completion!
The west side of the facility, comprised of the community centre and childcare areas, is almost finished and some areas are already undergoing initial clean-up. Significant progress has also been made in both pool areas with the family hot tub being the first to receive its tile finishes.
The new facility is now expected to open for public use in spring 2024. Registered programs, such as dance, music, and preschool programs, along with fitness and aquatic drop-in activities are anticipated to begin in late April 2024. Registered and drop-in aquatic programs and services are anticipated to commence in May 2024. Click here to read the full update.
Features
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.