Construction Update
The təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre project team recently provided an update to New Westminster City Council on the progress of construction at the new facility. The construction plan, which is divided into two phases, is proceeding well; Phase 1 work is scheduled to be completed in early 2024 and Phase 2 work is scheduled to be completed in late summer 2024.
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.