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. The lobby has also progressed, following the successful installation of the structural steel bridge and feature spiral staircase. Installation of interior finishes is ongoing with the registration area, millwork, and floor tiling scheduled to be completed this fall.
Significant advancements have also been made in both pool areas. The structures were completed this summer, followed by the removal of the tower crane from the site. This was an important milestone that allowed work to take place on the floors and roofing. The entire facility is now watertight which means all efforts can be applied to the remainder of the interior finishes, including the significant amount of tiling work ahead.
The family hot tub was the first water basin to receive tile finishes, and it successfully passed its initial flood test with zero instances of leakage. Construction of both the leisure pool and 50m competition pool will conclude in the coming month, with finishes to commence afterwards.
Outside of the building, both on-site and off-site work is progressing on schedule. All concrete plaza work and pavement on the south side of the new facility will be completed in September, while landscape elements are well underway. All Phase 1 exterior improvements including landscape planting are anticipated to be complete in 2023.
Opening Schedule
Despite the significant progress being made on təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre, the project team is projecting an additional delay of approximately three months from the previous update brought forward to Council in February 2023. Since then, some previously identified risks have been realized, necessitating a revised schedule to achieve occupancy of the building in spring 2024.
This latest timeline adjustment is the result of several factors including ongoing issues related to poor ground conditions, delays with off-site sanitary and stormwater work, supply chain issues resulting in delayed shipment of materials, and lingering impacts from the 2022 concrete labour dispute. These factors have had a compounding effect on the construction timeline and affected subsequent work.
Efforts are being made to minimize any further delays to the facility opening. A detailed plan is in place to ensure a smooth transition for move-in, training, and preparation for facility programs.
Phase 2 of the construction project, which includes exterior site work and landscaping, is on track to be completed as originally scheduled for July 2024.
Centennial Community Centre Closure
Despite the opening delay of təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre, Centennial Community Centre must close as planned on November 3, 2023, in order for decommissioning work to proceed and to ensure that overall construction timelines are met. A farewell event for Centennial Community Centre is being planned for November 5, 2023. Stay tuned for more details.
Most of the programs previously offered at Centennial Community Centre will relocate to alternative temporary locations until the opening of təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre. Active Pass users can utilize Queensborough Community Centre or Century House for weight training and group fitness programs. Cycle classes will be relocated to the Queen’s Park boardroom, located behind the rose garden in Queen’s Park. General recreation programs, such as dance and art classes, will be relocated to Queensborough Community Centre, Century House, and Massey Theater. Information about these programs can be found in the current issues of the Active Living Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the facility open?
təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre is now expected to open for public use in phases commencing April 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. New programming specifically for youth and seniors will continue to be introduced in a phased approach leading up to a grand opening celebration June 1, 2024.
When can I register for programs?
Registration for programs at təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre is anticipated to take place in February 2024. More information will be provided in early 2024.
When will the child care facility open?
The new child care facility will open in spring 2024. We are currently in the final stages of selecting a licensed operator.
When can community groups and organizations begin booking space?
Information will be sent to local New Westminster sport organizations and historical user groups in February 2024. Space will be allocated in a coordinated approach across all facilities to balance the needs of both the City and community users. To be added to an allocation distribution list or to learn more about our allocation policy, please email active@newwestcity.ca. One-time bookings to rent space for events and meetings, will commence in June of 2024. The booking window for one-time rentals will open in April 2024.
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