FAQ's

The overall cost of the project and funding sources are captured in the table below:

The revised proposed project scope does not require borrowing.

The proposed renovation project is budgeted to be funded through grant and reserve funds and therefore the project will not directly affect tax rates. Future changes to operation and maintenance of the building may have an impact on taxes and would be reported to the RDN Board at that time.

It is expected to take approximately 6-12 months to receive a decision from the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities on the Regional District of Nanaimo’s revised project scope application.

The revised project scope focuses on accessibility improvements, sustainable green retrofit measures, addressing operational challenges at the facility and enhancing the user experience. Specific project components include but are not limited to the following:

• Changeroom upgrades with new lockers
• Replacement of pool deck tile and re-grading of the pool deck
• Improved signage
• Accessible reception area including a hearing loop that delivers sound directly to hearing aids and cochlear implants to provide users with assistive listening options  
• Addition of an entrance vestibule to reduce heat loss
• Air handling and envelope upgrades
• Improved staff and user safety

Once a funding decision has been received from the Federal Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program, staff will report back to a future Regional District of Nanaimo Oceanside Services Committee meeting for further direction.

The proposed Ravensong Aquatic Centre renovation scope does not include an increase to the size of the facility.

The proposed renovation project scope includes approximately sixteen Energy Conservation Measures (ECM’s) to reduce energy consumption, including:

• switching from fossil fuel mechanical systems to electric models,
• enhanced airtightness and insulation upgrades,
• variable frequency drives to reduce energy use,
• energy efficient mechanical upgrades and
• lighting upgrades and optimization of existing equipment.

The proposed ECM’s are expected to provide 46.8 per cent in total energy savings and an 83.9 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to the existing building.

The facility is expected to be closed for a period of 3-6 months during active construction and more information will be provided should the project be approved. Construction sequencing has been considered in order to minimize the length of the full facility closure while the changeroom upgrades and natatorium pool deck re-grading and tile replacement occur.

Active construction is estimated for a period of 12 months and more information will be provided should the project be approved.

Accessibility improvements include:

• Replacement of pool deck tile and re-grading of the pool deck
• Improved signage
• Accessible reception area including a hearing loop that delivers sound directly to hearing aids and cochlear implants to provide users with assistive listening options    

Alternative locations to build an Aquatic and Recreation Centre, including Parksville, were reviewed by the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) Board, as well as the City of Parksville Council, and, through an extensive feasibility study, it was determined to be more cost effective to expand the existing Ravensong Aquatic Centre in Qualicum Beach.

As identified through the feasibility study, both the Capital and ongoing operating costs of a new Aquatic and Recreation Centre were determined to be too high for the current population base of Parksville and would overburden City of Parksville taxpayers. More information regarding the feasibility study and RDN Board resolutions can be found here: https://letstalkparksville.ca/parksville-aquatic-and-recreation-centre.

When a funding decision has been received from the federal Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program regarding the Regional District of Nanaimo’s (RDN) revised Ravensong Aquatic Centre project application, staff will report back to a future RDN Oceanside Services Committee meeting and then RDN Board regarding next steps. Through this report, staff will be provided with further direction from the RDN Board. 

Should the project be approved, a Class B estimate will be produced, including contingencies to address any unforeseen costs or unexpected cost escalations in order to remain within the established project budget and in accordance with industry standards and best practices.

Ravensong Aquatic Centre is located in the Town of Qualicum Beach at 737 Jones St and is owned and operated by the Regional District of Nanaimo. 

Ravensong Aquatic Centre is home to"

• 25 metre 6 lane pool
• Leisure pool 
• Steam room 
• Infrared sauna 
• Whirlpool 
• Mens/Womens/Universal changerooms
• Lockers

More information is available at rdn.bc.ca/ravensong-aquatic-centre.

Currently, the facility is the most used indoor recreation facility in the Oceanside area. Swim visits and program attendance have continued to increase over the past 10 years. As a result of several reviews, it can be reasonably stated that the facility is at capacity in it's current state.

The proposed renovation project will focus on:

• accessibility improvements,
• sustainable green retrofit measures,
• addressing operational challenges at the facility and
• enhancing the user experience 

This design option increases the lifespan of the existing Ravensong Aquatic Centre, includes the replacement of critical and end of life mechanical operating systems and brings this important community hub up to modern accessibility standards. The proposed design would deliver an estimated annual energy savings of 46.8 per cent and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 83.9 per cent compared to the existing building. As the Ravensong Aquatic Centre is the RDN’s highest-emitting facility, these emission reductions are critical to achieving the RDN Board objective of sustained corporate carbon neutrality by 2032. The estimated energy savings also surpass the minimum 25 per cent energy reduction required for the GICB program application and are expected to save approximately $22,000/year in energy costs.

The proposed design also addresses the facility’s current overheating issues by providing a more comfortable environment for staff and facility users, improves staff and user safety and introduces system changes that will significantly reduce water consumption. Specific project components include but are not limited to the following: 

-    Changeroom upgrades with new lockers 

-    Replacement of pool deck tile and re-grading of the pool deck

-    Improved signage

-    Accessible reception area including a hearing loop that delivers sound directly to  hearing aids and cochlear implants to provide users with assistive listening options   

-    Addition of an entrance vestibule to reduce heat loss 

-    Air handling and envelope upgrades 

-    Improved staff and user safety 

The Ravensong Aquatic Centre operates under “Regional District of Nanaimo District 69 Swimming Pool Local Service Area Establishment Bylaw No. 899, 1993” which was most recently amended in 2024. Costs of the service are shared 100 per cent (100%) based on the percentage of usage of the service as determined by a survey of usage carried out by the RDN every 5 years. The participating areas and their percentage of usage can be found in the table below.