The City of Delta has issued a request for bids for a professional geotechnical engineering firm to support the design and construction of the new Winskill Aquatic and Fitness Centre in Tsawwassen.
The city has already hired an architect, along with engineering sub-consultants, and a construction manager for the project.
The geotechnical investigation is to begin as soon as the contract is awarded, taking place in the selected refined north option of the site.
A preliminary investigation of the soil conditions around the existing facility was undertaken five years ago.
While the new building’s location and pool size have been approved, the exact building layout will be determined during the preliminary design process.
The detailed design by the architect and their engineering sub-consultants is to begin this fall.
The city notes it has begun public consultation and engagement with the architect and construction manager.
When council voted in favour of the location at Winskill Park earlier this summer, staff noted that, during the initial engagement program, the preference for tree retention led many people who participated to support a west option.
However, the updated north option incorporates that feedback by reconfiguring the parking area, while deferring further work on a future fourth baseball diamond pending the results of a field use analysis.
It was also noted that, regardless of the option, many of the park trees have been found in need of removal and replacement due to safety.
Opinions were also “split” when it comes to adding the fourth diamond, council was told.
However, council decided not to defer but to have staff report back in September, following further talks with field users.
To be completed in 2027, the new Winskill facility is planned to be approximately double in size at 6,000 square metres and will likely be two storeys in most areas, according to the city.
