Construction Of New Strathcona Regional District Aquatic And Wellness Center To Begin

Construction of the new aquatic and wellness centre at Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex is set to begin in the coming weeks.

Heatherbrae Builders will get to work on phase one of the REC-REATE project, which involves building the new aquatic and wellness centre, with a total project cost of $69.8 million. Construction should wrap up early in 2027.

The SRD says the bid on phase one came in $22 million higher than anticipated. Cost cutting has managed to save $6.3 million, leaving the project cost $15.7 million over the 2023 estimate.

"The SRD Board is so pleased to move this project forward for the community," said SRD Board Chair Mark Baker.

"While the cost of phase one has increased since our most recent estimates, we were not prepared to delay improvements to this vital facility and risk even further cost escalation. We are excited to start construction and enhance wellness opportunities for the entire region."

In a release, the SRD notes infrastructure cost escalation is happening in communities across Canada.

Other communities in BC, like Tofino, Victoria, North Vancouver, and Burnaby, are currently dealing with comparable challenges with major recreation projects amidst rising construction costs.

The rising cost of construction has created some financial challenges for phase two improvements to the Rod Brind'Amour Arena. Detailed engineering design is currently underway for renovations, and the Board will review cost estimates for phase two later this year to determine funding options and next steps.

For more information about the redevelopment of the Recreation Complex and to view detailed designs, visit Strathcona Gardens.

The new aquatic centre will be built west of the existing facility, between the pool and Dogwood Street.