Summer 2026 Update

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) is pleased to announce that renovations to the Ravensong Aquatic Centre (RAC) are moving forward under a revised project scope.

This renovation will directly contribute to meeting the RDN’s goal of sustained carbon neutrality by 2030 by significantly reducing energy use and lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

On May 8, 2026, the RDN received approval of the project scope change from the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure and on July 14, 2026, the RDN Board approved the project scope for improvements at the facility with a $13.5 million budget ($7 million from Government of Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program and $6.5 million from the centre’s capital reserve fund).

The planned renovation, which is expected to begin in the fall of 2027, will:

• deliver an estimated 47.5 per cent in annual energy savings (approximately $22,000/year) and reduce GHG emissions by about 83.9 per cent compared to the existing building;
• include improvements to heating, filtration, pumps and other building systems, as well as measures to manage climate-related risks;
• address critical building components and mechanical systems that have been identified for replacement or upgrade;
• replace the existing pool deck tile and regrade the pool deck slopes, allowing for easier and safer movement around the pool deck; and
• help reduce barriers in areas such as the lobby and changerooms, making the facility safer and easier to use. The renovations are designed to meet the Canadian Standards Association's technical standard, Accessible Design for the Built Environment and the accessibility requirements of the BC Building Code.

Next steps for the project include refining cost estimates for the renovation scope and issuing a formal market Request for Proposals.

Read the full press release here.

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