A revised plan to upgrade the Ravensong Aquatic Centre has been approved after the Regional District of Nanaimo successfully applied for a federal grant, which will cover about half of the renovations. (Image Credit: RDN)

By Jordan Davidson

oceanside swimming

Federal grant funding half of Ravensong Aquatic Centre upgrades

Jul 15, 2026 | 9:58 AM

QUALICUM BEACH — A plan to upgrade Oceanside’s only aquatic recreation facility is back on track after a federal funding grant covering about half of the project was recently approved.

Late last year, the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) submitted a revised application to the federal Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program for up to $7 million in funding to upgrade the Ravensong Aquatic Centre in Qualicum Beach with a new project scope.

The recommendation was approved during the Tuesday, July 14, regular board meeting, with the plan expected to be finalized at a future meeting.

The grant received approval in May, covering up to 80 per cent of the total eligible project costs up to $7M for the $13.5M project, with the remainder covered by the Ravensong Aquatic Centre capital reserve fund.

The revised project scope includes accessibility upgrades such as addressing existing barriers to improve safe mobility and accommodate diverse user needs.

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Emission reduction and energy conservation upgrades, such as low-emission and efficient systems to mitigate overheating, conserve water to save operations costs and reduce environmental impact.

Mechanical assessment of equipment in both dry and wet areas to determine what could be upgraded, including variable-speed pumps, alternative filtration systems, and upgrading or replacing heat pumps.

According to the RDN report, this design could result in an estimated annual energy savings of 47.5 per cent, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions 84 per cent better than the existing building, saving approximately $22,000 in annual energy costs.

In April, voters rejected the RDN’s attempt to borrow up to $30 million to vastly expand the centre through a referendum, with just under 61 per cent voting in opposition.

The Oceanside Services Committee (OSC) was tasked with discussing the scope of renovations to the 30-year-old facility later that month.

Last fall RDN directors advanced the proposed expansion of the pool to a referendum, leading to several public engagement sessions prior to the plan’s overwhelming rejection.

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by Jordan Davidson

Federal grant funding half of Ravensong Aquatic Centre upgrades

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