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.
Construction Progress
Community Centre
The entire facility is in the final stages of completion and currently undergoing pre-occupancy inspections and verification. All major facility construction activities for Phase 1 are complete, and crews continue actively working on final touches and deficiencies such as millwork, specialty accessories, and post-construction clean-up. An integrated team of design engineers, trade contractors, specialty suppliers, and City staff remain engaged in final mechanical and aquatics systems commissioning, training, and operational refinement as staff prepare to take over the facility.
Working alongside the project team, City staff have managed an extensive coordination and procurement process to integrate the supply and installation of furniture, fixtures and equipment. Nearly all of the furniture and equipment have been delivered and installed in the building, including specialty information technology equipment, fitness equipment, gymnasium and aquatics supplies, and office furniture.
Leisure and Competition Pools
The leisure pools have both been filled and the mechanical systems are in the final stages of commissioning and testing. The 50m pool is full of water (a 5-day process!), and chemical levels and water temperatures are being brought up to their permanent operational levels. The mechanical systems for this pool are being commissioned and will soon be functioning at 100%.
təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre will be the first pool in North America to use the inBlue drum filtration system. This state-of-the-art system provides 44% energy savings as well as significantly improved air and water quality by reducing the need for chlorine and the resulting harmful bi-products that come from traditional filtration systems.
Exterior Site Work (Phase 2)
Phase 2, which includes exterior civil and landscaping work, is on track for completion on or ahead of the scheduled July 2024 completion date. Exterior work also includes the large parking lot on the north side of the building located on the site of the former Canada Games Pool and Centennial Community Centre buildings. The full complement of vehicle parking spots, 375 total, will be complete and open to the public by the end of July, a month ahead of the original August completion date.
Parking and Access
As of April 29, vehicle access to the facility will be off of Cumberland Street and parking will be available in the south parking lot. This lot will have a vehicle capacity of 119 stalls, including six accessible stalls. Visitors can enter the facility through both the south and north entrances; however, there is no vehicle access at the north end until after the completion of Phase 2.
As parking will be initially limited during the first few months of opening, visitors are encouraged to use alternate modes of transportation, such as transit, carpooling, walking and cycling. Drivers should give themselves extra time before their scheduled programs to secure parking in the lot on adjacent streets.
Opening Timeline
New Childcare Facility
We recently announced that the new dedicated child care space 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 will open 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
Rehabilitation Operator Update
The City of New Westminster is in the final stages of confirming a tenant for the rehabilitation space. We anticipate that an announcement will be made in the next few weeks. At that time, we will post the operator’s name and a link to their website where information regarding their services can be found.