Rendering of an expanded Ravensong Aquatic Centre (RDN)

By Ian Holmes

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QUALICUM BEACH — Oceanside area residents will decide if they’re willing to borrow millions to expand the only public pool serving the region.

On Tuesday, Oct. 8 Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) directors advanced a proposal to referendum to borrow up to $30 million to double the size of Ravensong Aquatic Centre (RAC) in Qualicum Beach.

The Referendum, to take place at a yet-to-be-determined date, applies to eligible voters in Parksville, Qualicum Beach, and the electoral areas of E, F, G and H.

Anticipated annual debt repayment over a 20-year borrowing period should the Ravensong Aquatic Centre expansion project proceed. (RDN)

According to an RDN staff report, the over-extended RAC is slated to have a new leisure pool (including a lazy river feature) 25 metre, four-lane lap pool, two new multipurpose rooms, as well as expanded change rooms, staff support space and new lobby.

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Improved steam and dry sauna rooms are also included.

Tom Osborne, the RDN’s general manager of recreation and parks, told the board that the total cost of the project is currently budgeted at $36.4 million.

He noted the project cost includes the ability for a second-storey addition in the future, which the RDN envisions as a fitness centre amenity.

Osborne added that nearly $5.5 million for energy and emission features (net zero design), and about $640,000 for sequenced scheduling to minimize closures during construction are also included.

Exterior rendering of what a revamped Ravensong Aquatic Centre would look like. (RDN)

Should the referendum be successful, construction is expected to last between 24 and 28 months, starting early in 2026 and completing late in 2027.

Design and cost estimates were compiled and submitted to the RDN on behalf of several consultants, including architectural and engineering firms.

On Tuesday RDN directors also backed diverting $300,000 to the RAC capital reserve to support continued capital maintenance of the facility.

RDN staff will apply for senior government grants to potentially soften the blow for affected taxpayers.

The idea of expanding RAC was first formally advanced through a 2018 RDN Recreation Services Master Plan.

Earlier this year a committee-level decision recommended expanding RAC in a single phase as part of a strategy to save time and money.

Last month project designs and cost estimates were endorsed by the Oceanside Services Committee for the board’s recommendation.

The cost of the RAC referendum is budgeted at $240,000, with more information on that process expected from the RDN later this month.

Potentially expanding RAC coincides with the City of Parksville no longer actively pursuing the concept of an indoor pool.

Extensive background information on the RDN’s plans to expand RAC is available on its Get Involved page linked here.

Ravensong Aquatic Centre in Qualicum Beach could look much different in the years ahead of a referendum next spring is successful. (RDN)

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ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @NanaimoNewsNOW