Rending of what a vastly enhanced Ravensong Aquatic Centre would look like. (RDN)

By Ian Holmes

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Public info sessions to begin ahead of Qualicum Beach pool referendum

Feb 18, 2025 | 5:23 AM

QUALICUM BEACH — Proposed enhancements to the Oceanside region’s only publicly accessible pool facility will receive additional attention in the coming weeks.

A referendum takes place on Saturday, April 5 to ask whether eligible voters support borrowing up to $30 million to double the size of Ravensong Aquatic Centre (RAC).

Results are anticipated on April 9.

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is hosting six in-person information sessions, starting on Monday Feb. 24 and concluding on Wednesday, March 12.

RDN staff will be on hand at the meetings, with the RDN stating only questions regarding the RAC expansion project and referendum questions will be asked.

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A virtual Zoom information session takes place on March 17.

Eligible voters in the Town of Qualicum Beach, City of Parksville and electoral areas E, F, G and H will be asked whether they support the borrowing bylaw.

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

In addition to general voting day, mail-in balloting is also available, while a pair of advance voting opportunities are scheduled: March 26 and April 2.

This past October RDN directors advanced the RAC expansion idea to referendum.

Doubling the size of the RAC involves a new four lane, 25 meter pool for fitness and competition, leisure pool with play features, lazy river feature, improved steam room and sauna, new change rooms, lobby with seating/pool viewing, and multipurpose rooms.

The project includes the ability for a second-storey addition for a projected fitness centre.

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

As of last fall the RDN estimated the proposed RAC expansion project at $36.4 million.

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

Potentially expanding the workhorse RAC was first formally advanced through a 2018 RDN Recreation Services Master Plan.

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

Comprehensive background information on the proposed RAC expansion and public information sessions are available on the RDN’s Get Involved page linked here.

Water spray and a lazy river feature are included in plans to expand Ravensong Aquatic Centre (RDN)

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