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.
Phase 1 work includes the completion of the new facility and some exterior work such as the south parking lot, north greenway, and northeast plaza (see rendering below). The completion of Phase 1, which is scheduled for January 2024, is marked by the contractor handing over the keys of the new facility to the City of New Westminster for full occupancy. Phase 2 encompasses the remainder of the site and additional work in the area east and north of the new facility, which covers the Centennial Community Centre and the site of the former Canada Games Pool adjacent parking lot.
While the original proposed occupancy date for təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre was October 2023, several factors have contributed to the three-month adjustment including the need for extensive ground improvements and the industry-wide concrete shortage last summer. The target completion date for Phase 2 is July 2024, which remains on schedule despite the delay to Phase 1.
Construction Progress
Community Centre
The west side of the new facility is currently ahead of schedule with the exterior steel structure complete and envelope finishes close to finalization. Interior work is progressing with drywall nearing completion and painting and other finishing work well underway. The centre spiral stairway has been installed in the centre lobby between the community centre and leisure pool areas.
Leisure and Competition Pools
The leisure pool is now enclosed and the cross-laminated timber (CLT) roofing is finished. Progress on the 50 metre pool is on track with the concrete structure now complete and structural steel installation in progress. Mechanical and electrical installations at the basement level are well underway and happening concurrently with the above-ground activities.
Opening of təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre
The construction project team have begun detailed planning to ensure a well-coordinated schedule to support the opening of təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre and the closure of Centennial Community Centre. While occupancy of the new facility is expected to be obtained in January 2024, it will take the City of New Westminster approximately six weeks to prepare the facility for opening and ensure that staff are trained in the safe operation of the new venue. Community recreation services are expected to commence gradually in February.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why must Centennial Community Centre close before the opening of təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre?
The closure of Centennial Community Centre in November 2023 is critical to the opening of təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre, as well as ensuring the overall project is completed on time for the summer of 2024. Without the demolition of Centennial Community Centre, Phase 2 work cannot be completed. Additionally, the community centre is preventing access to the permanent loading bay for the new facility. Both of these factors would significantly hamper the ability for the new facility to operate at full capacity and efficiency if the centre were to remain open.
How will the City of New Westminster address the disruption of programs at Centennial Community Centre until the new facility opens?
During the transition between the closure of Centennial Community Centre and the opening of təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre, staff will make every effort to relocate core programs to other facilities within the city. Programs such as group fitness will be relocated to other parks and recreation facilities and space in the vicinity of Centennial Community Centre is being explored for the Discovery Playtime program. The fitness centre will need to close temporarily due to lack of space at other facilities and the need to relocate and install this equipment into təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre.
When will programs be available at təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre and when will I be able to register?
Community Recreation and Fitness programs will gradually begin operation in February of 2024. Aquatic, youth, and seniors programs will transition into operation in late February to early March 2024. It is anticipated that program registration will be available to residents in late November 2023. The new facility is expected to be fully operational by April 2024. Further updates will be available this coming summer.