Construction Update – December 2023

It’s clear that the construction of təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre is in the home stretch as all the spaces are becoming more fully realized!

All areas of the building are close to complete and staff are busy preparing for the opening next spring. Click here to read the full update.    

Opening Dates

Community Centre Opening


April 29, 2024

Aquatic Centre Opening


May 14, 2024

Grand Opening Celebration


June 1, 2024

Click here for program & scheduling information

Features

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

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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News and Updates

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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.

Click here to read the full media release.