Expansion of Cowichan Aquatic Centre Planned for 2020

(Duncan and North Cowichan) – Construction will begin in spring/summer 2020 on a major retrofit and expansion of the Cowichan Aquatic Centre. Now over ten years old, the facility’s popularity necessitates this expansion to meet the growing needs of the children, youth, adults, and seniors that use the facility on a daily basis.

This expansion will deliver major improvements to the facility, including an expanded competitive pool deck, new folding bleachers, additional community program space, expansion of the upstairs gym and group fitness rooms, and new private spaces for fitness consultations.

During construction, it will be necessary to close the second floor of the building for a number of months and to close the entire building for approximately 6 weeks. Exact closure times are not yet known and may not be confirmed until the end of 2019; however, the annual maintenance shutdown that usually occurs in August will be accommodated during the construction period so that an additional maintenance shutdown is not required in 2020.

“I know that closures will be inconvenient for facility users and I thank the community in advance for its patience and support for this project during the shut-down,” says Mayor Al Siebring. “The need for this facility to grow is a reflection of how important and well-used this facility is in our community.”

Construction is planned for 2020 to provide facility users with adequate notice, to develop a strong project plan, and to secure a construction contractor. It is expected that a request for proposals for a construction company will be issued in fall/winter 2019. If you want to follow along with this project as it moves forward, updates will be posted on the project webpage: www.northcowichan.ca/pool

Background:

The Cowichan Aquatic Centre is co-owned by the Municipality of North Cowichan and the City of Duncan.

In March 2018, North Cowichan received a federal grant of nearly $2.5 million to undertake this major retrofit and expansion of the Cowichan Aquatic Centre.



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For more information, please contact:

Al Siebring, Mayor

Municipality of North Cowichan

T 250.710.3416

E mayor@northcowichan.ca

Michelle Staples, Mayor

City of Duncan

T. 250.466.9412

E mayor@duncan.ca

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