Upgrades are coming to the Ravensong Aquatic Centre in Qualicum Beach, but first the RDN needs to determine the full scope of the project and present it to their voters for financial approval before work can begin. (RDN)

By Jordan Davidson

long awaited expansion

Expansion plans moving forward for Ravensong Aquatic Centre, voter approval required

Mar 7, 2024 | 4:55 PM

QUALICUM BEACH — The plan to expand and renovate the Ravensong Aquatic Centre (RAC) has taken another step forward.

The RDN’s District 69 swimming pool service select committee made a recommendation on Thursday, March 7 to combine two phases of the project into one, in a bid to save time and money.

Upgrading Oceanside’s only pool facility has been planned since May 2018, with expanded services at the RAC long identified as a priority for the region overall.

Estimated costs for the upgrades are around $31 million, with the RDN already budgeting a portion and anticipating borrowing the rest.

Extensive costing and design work still needs to be completed before the RDN moves the project to the elector approval process phase to secure the required funds.

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According to a staff report, estimated costs for a design and financing report would be around $365,000, which includes an additional $25,000 for a required geotechnical assessment for the site.

While an electoral approval method has not yet been determined, RDN committee members spoke favourably of using a referendum for electoral approval, which would cost an estimated $120,000.

With an estimated cost of around $31 million, the RDN still needs to determine exactly what renovations will be made, and how they plan to finance the project. (RDN)

General manager of recreation and parks Tom Osborne said any questions put to a referendum in regards to borrowing money needs to be clear and detailed.

“To get to that level you want to be at a very definite point. This is what we’re advancing, this is the project we’re undertaking, not to have an option A or B at the point in time, that is up to the board, in my opinion, to make that decision before we move to that.”

The RDN has $240,000 approved in their financial plan for referendums.

More details on the RAC expansion project can be found here at the RDN’s website.

In September 2023, the board received a letter from the City of Parksville about building a pool in Parksville.

However, a feasibility service bylaw was unanimously rejected by the RDN board, and it was determined there was no support for the idea.

Instead, the board decided to refocus their efforts on the RAC, to provide an improved aquatic centre for the entire Oceanside area.

Parksville had been advocating for an upgraded aquatic centre for a few years.

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