The Winskill Aquatic & Fitness Centre in Tsawwassen won’t be replaced with a new facility.
City officials, following an analysis, decided that rather than spend an estimated $65-to-$95 million, depending on the replacement concept, the best route is to spend an estimated $40 million for a plan that could involve renovating the main building.
Also, depending upon a finalized programming analysis, the plan would include expanding the facility with additional new multi-purpose spaces.
The proposed concept would also involve the permanent removal of the Winskill annex building, as it was determined the building could not be suitably upgraded to meet current or future needs.
Council, at its April 11 meeting, agreed with a staff recommendation that a design professional should be hired to complete detailed designs for the upgrade and renovations.
The future design will incorporate sufficient space to accommodate an expanded fitness area, new multi-purpose space, renovated change room, updated gathering space, mechanical and electrical systems replacements and exterior building envelope updates.
The proposed renovations would result in a facility which meets the current and future needs of the community and will extend the service life of the facility for at least 30 years, according to a staff report.
The next step required is to complete detailed designs and cost estimates.
The process will also include the detailed review and refinement of facility programming and the associated space requirements, which includes considerations for fitness, multi-purpose, user group needs and tenant opportunities, the report adds.
Once completed, council will get finalized designs and potential funding scenarios, which will then be followed by community consultations.
During council’s discussion this week, Coun. Lois Jackson wondered where the city would get the money to pay for the project, prompting Mayor George Harvie to respond that’s it is still early in the process and the goal now is to get cost certainty.
Council also had considerable discussion on the future of the Boy’s and Girl’s Club which would lose their home when an on-site building is demolished. Council agreed that the club should be included in any future redevelopment plan.
