Aquatic & Wellness Centre FAQs
Why is the Town building a new Aquatic Centre?
The Centennial Pool facility in Port Elgin is nearing the end of its life cycle. A new facility will feature modern technology and an increased capacity that will benefit more residents with diverse needs, including increased accessibility. The Centre will also allow the community to hold regional swimming competitions, which can generate economic benefits for the community.
Why does it also include a Fitness and Wellness component?
As our community grows, so does the demand for recreational and fitness facilities that can serve a more diverse group of people, including various age groups with different accessibility needs. The new Centre will provide much needed fitness facilities for our community while generating revenue to support the Aquatics Centre.
A range of payment options (drop-in or membership) provides access for people with different income levels, while helping to offset the costs of a standalone pool.
What are the Centre’s main features?
- Aquatic facility: pool with eight (8) 25-metre lanes; leisure/therapeutic pool; pool viewing area
- Walking track
- Wellness centre: conditioning centre with weights and fitness equipment; gymnasium and storage; fitness studio; multi-purpose rooms.
- Common areas: change rooms/washrooms; meeting rooms; offices/customer service areas; mechanical/filtration/storage areas.
Where will the new facility be located?
The new centre will extend eastward toward Wellington Street with a vehicular entrance planned for that roadway. Council, staff, and the Prime Consultant have determined that this location allows for the greatest access to both the Centre and the Plex, while leaving space for any future amenities, including another possible ice surface.
What happens to the BMX track?
The track will be removed as there has not been an active BMX club for some time.
What about parking? The Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) and the Skate Park?
The new centre will affect a minimal amount of the existing parking spots currently in use. However, the plan does include additional parking to the south and west of both the Plex and the proposed Aquatic and Wellness Centre.
The NII and the Skate Park will remain untouched, although access will likely be managed during construction.
Why are we building a new Municipal Office?
The Town constructed the current Municipal Hall in 1999, when the population was 20% smaller and growth was static. Since then, we’ve grown significantly, and will continue to grow for the foreseeable future. As well, technology has changed exponentially in the last 25 years, and our office needs to be outfitted for that.
A study has concluded our existing offices and Council Chambers are not adequate to support the Town now, nor in the future.
What is Workplace 2.0?
Workplace 2.0 is a standard to develop modern workplaces in both the public and private sectors. The goal is to encourage collaboration and use technology in smarter ways to increase employee productivity, while fostering a culture of health and well-being.
This approach will ensure the new office meets the Administration’s needs for the next 20+ years.
How will the Town pay for this facility?
Through a careful costing and revenue analysis, the Town has determined it can cover its construction costs by using a combination of funding from a) Development Charges (DCs) and b) steady payments from the Town’s Legacy Fund. The Town will also explore grant applications from both the federal and provincial governments.
What is the Legacy Fund?
Council created the Legacy Fund in 2019 to raise money for future large, significant projects, especially for recreational and cultural uses, such as a new pool facility. This fund can support both the Aquatic & Wellness Centre AND the Lamont Sports Park Phase 1 and 2.
Will this project cause my taxes to increase?
No. The Town will support the Centre’s construction through funds intended for large projects such as this, including our Legacy Fund and Development Charges.
How long before the Centre’s operations become self-funding?
The business plan indicates the Centre will be able to support its own operating costs by 2027.
What are the next steps?
The Town has already issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Construction Management Services. Staff will interview the top two-to-three candidates on the week of December 19th and present Council with their recommendations on January 9th.
The Town has also posted a two-year contract for a Project Coordinator position to manage grant opportunities, as well as any needed fundraising and/or sponsorship.
Once the Town has chosen a construction manager, that person will work with staff and the Prime Consultant on the project’s final design. This contractor will then issue tenders for sub-trades in stages.
Council has directed staff to report back on how to incorporate more green elements into the project while staying within the approved financing plan.
When will the project start? When will it be finished?
Construction is expected to be start in the summer of 2023, with a projected completion date of early 2025.