Winskill Aquatic and Fitness Centre gets a major upgrade

BY DANIEL BUMANGLAG

Construction on Tsawwassen’s replacement Winskill Aquatic and Fitness Centre is progressing, remaining fully funded in the city’s 2026 budget. Since July of 2024, city council has approved where the new building will be located which is just northeast of Winskill Park and has since started construction in the summer of this year.

The current facility has served its community for more than four decades and can barely keep up with the area’s growing population.

The city released a press release about construction on Oct. 8. “Staff are aiming to keep the current facility running throughout construction to minimize any impact on services and programs.” 

The estimated cost for the project is $130 million which is part of the 2.9 per cent tax increase in next year’s budget.  

“The current progress is we’ve cleared out the area where the new building is being built and we’ve also laid out the structural foundation for the new building.” Mayor George V Harvie said. 

The city is also preparing for any increase in costs associated with trade policies from the U.S. government.  “The rebuilding of the Winskill Aquatic and Fitness Centre is projected to cost $130 million which consist of a $2 million contingency for potential tariffs impacts.” said Navin Chand, leader of the city’s finance department.

The city ran some surveys earlier this year back in February and March to see where individuals stand on the project itself. 

“The community played an essential role in informing the new facility’s design. Between Feb. 27 and March 24, 2025, residents were invited to review and comment on the detailed design through 17 in-person events, online feedback forms and targeted outreach to youth, aquatic groups and people with accessibility needs. In total, 649 residents provided input on the detailed design and eight core features,” said Deanie Wong, leader of the city’s communications and engagement department.

The feedback indicated strong support for the detailed designs, with an average rating of seven out of 10. Many respondents noted the design’s positive impact it will have on the wider community. 

Participants were also invited to share their ideas for the use of the community plaza and the outdoor terrace. 

“I think they should include a more flexible, family and pet-friendly green space,” one respondent said about the city’s initial park plan. 

The new building is expected to offer new aquatic amenities like a 10-lane 25-metre lap pool, a four-lane teach pool, a leisure pool, hot tubs, a cold plunge, a sauna and a steam room while also including a full-size gymnasium, fitness centre, gender specific and Universal change rooms. The new building will be two levels and 91,450 square feet. 

Residents also supported the direction of the strategy and offered suggestions to plant more climate-resilient and local species, integrate Indigenous art, and possibly include one or two fruit trees to show support for food security. Concerns were also raised about the loss of mature canopy. 

The new building is estimated to finish construction and open by late spring 2028.