Residents from Nanoose Bay to Bowser will have the opportunity to decide whether to endorse the proposed Ravensong Aquatic Centre expansion project, in a referendum set for the spring of 2025.
The question residents will be asked:
“Are you in favour of the Regional District of Nanaimo adopting Ravensong Aquatic Centre Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 1921, 2024, which will authorize the Regional District of Nanaimo to borrow up to thirty million dollars ($30,000,000) in order to finance the Ravensong Aquatic Centre expansion?”
At meetings held on Oct. 8 and Oct. 22, the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) board approved a series of resolutions to conduct a referendum to seek the approval of eligible electors for the expansion project that is estimated to cost of $36.4 million. It would be financed through a combination of long-term borrowing, capital reserves and operating funds.
The spring 2025 referendum date will be set and announced in early 2025. Should the borrowing be approved, construction is planned to start in early 2026 and is estimated to take 24 to 28 months.
Constructed in 1995, RAC remains the most-used indoor recreation facility in the PQB area. An initial expansion study was conducted for the facility in 2009 and updated in 2013. Swim visits and program attendance have continued to increase during the past 11 years and the facility is now at capacity.
The $36.4-million Class B cost estimate is based on an advanced project design. The estimate considers design drawings, project specifications such as details of the electrical, mechanical and IT systems design, and site requirements. The focus of the expansion will be to increase pool capacity as well as other functional areas.
The proposed expansion includes: Addition of a four-lane 25-metre pool, addition of a leisure pool, a new lazy river/therapy water feature, two multi-purpose rooms, upgrades and reconfiguration to the lobby including an expanded viewing area, upgrades and reconfiguration to the change rooms including more universal change rooms, washrooms and showers, and Net Zero Design features that reduce emissions from materials, improve energy efficiency, implement onsite renewable energy generation and achieves further emission reductions through full facility electrification
Eligible resident electors and non-resident property electors of the electoral areas and municipalities that contribute to the Regional District of Nanaimo District 69 Swimming Pool Local Service can participate in the referendum. This includes resident electors and non-resident property electors of the City of Parksville, the Town of Qualicum Beach and Electoral Areas E, F, G and H.
For information on the referendum and details of expansion project and to sign up to receive project updates, visit getinvolved.rdn.ca/rac-expansion-referendum.
