Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project

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This project page shares the history for the Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project. Please visit the Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Referendum page for the latest updates on the expansion and referendum.

The RDN Recreation Services Master Plan for District 69 (Oceanside) was approved by the RDN Board in May 2018, as a guiding document.

One of the key recommendations from the 2018 Master Plan is the exploration of expanding services/spaces provided at the Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Work on the concept and design planning project has already begun.

This project will include capital and operating cost estimates, a funding resource assessment, as well as a review of past expansion concept designs, parameters and priorities. The project will incorporate feedback from residents, user groups and elected officials.

Want to learn more or get involved?

  • Be sure to subscribe to follow this project, we will provide email updates including when the community engagement events are, as the project progresses.
  • Learn more about the expansion project by reading our background documents.
  • Check out the FAQ's that are updated based on questions that we are asked.
  • Ask us a question using the Q&A tab below.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about the project, ask questions and share your input!

This project page shares the history for the Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project. Please visit the Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Referendum page for the latest updates on the expansion and referendum.

The RDN Recreation Services Master Plan for District 69 (Oceanside) was approved by the RDN Board in May 2018, as a guiding document.

One of the key recommendations from the 2018 Master Plan is the exploration of expanding services/spaces provided at the Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Work on the concept and design planning project has already begun.

This project will include capital and operating cost estimates, a funding resource assessment, as well as a review of past expansion concept designs, parameters and priorities. The project will incorporate feedback from residents, user groups and elected officials.

Want to learn more or get involved?

  • Be sure to subscribe to follow this project, we will provide email updates including when the community engagement events are, as the project progresses.
  • Learn more about the expansion project by reading our background documents.
  • Check out the FAQ's that are updated based on questions that we are asked.
  • Ask us a question using the Q&A tab below.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about the project, ask questions and share your input!

CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

Do you have a question for us about the Ravensong expansion project? If so, please ask us here.

  • Share I do not see an increase in the pool size and the number of swimming lanes? If not, how does this resolve the issue of overcrowding and real pool time? We need a larger swimming pool in Parksville, much like Port Alberni. on Facebook Share I do not see an increase in the pool size and the number of swimming lanes? If not, how does this resolve the issue of overcrowding and real pool time? We need a larger swimming pool in Parksville, much like Port Alberni. on Twitter Share I do not see an increase in the pool size and the number of swimming lanes? If not, how does this resolve the issue of overcrowding and real pool time? We need a larger swimming pool in Parksville, much like Port Alberni. on Linkedin Email I do not see an increase in the pool size and the number of swimming lanes? If not, how does this resolve the issue of overcrowding and real pool time? We need a larger swimming pool in Parksville, much like Port Alberni. link

    I do not see an increase in the pool size and the number of swimming lanes? If not, how does this resolve the issue of overcrowding and real pool time? We need a larger swimming pool in Parksville, much like Port Alberni.

    Buff asked 4 months ago

    The proposed design includes expanding onto the existing Ravensong Aquatic Centre facility with an additional 25 meter 4 lane pool tank, including a new leisure pool area that hosts a ‘lazy river’ with vortex, zero depth entry and play features. The proposed expansion would provide extra pool space and also allow for further aquafit programming opportunities and offerings to be explored. The proposed additional aquatic areas would be approximately 836m². Plans on the new addition design can be found at: https://www.getinvolved.rdn.ca/rac-expansion-referendum. Please refer to this page for the most current information on the referendum and expansion, and to provide further input.

     

    There was consideration on a potential second pool in the Oceanside area, potentially in Parksville, however, following extensive research and an initial feasibility study conducted by the City of Parksville, the Regional District of Nanaimo Board decided to abandon the establishment of this service Bylaw as it was found to be more financially feasible to move forward with an expansion to the Ravensong Aquatic Centre.

  • Share I did your survey but I am not able to attend the public hearings coming up later this month. But as a resident of Qualicum Beach I want to reiterate my opposition to RDN's plan to renovate the Ravensong Pool in Qualicum Beach. A new pool in Parksville next to the arena would be a far better idea. With the population growth in the area it makes far moŕe sense to build a second pool and worry about renovations to Ravensong Pool later on if necessary Check out the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre in Cochrane AB which is amazing. A smaller version of this pool beside the arena would be beneficial to all residents in the RDN. Thank you. on Facebook Share I did your survey but I am not able to attend the public hearings coming up later this month. But as a resident of Qualicum Beach I want to reiterate my opposition to RDN's plan to renovate the Ravensong Pool in Qualicum Beach. A new pool in Parksville next to the arena would be a far better idea. With the population growth in the area it makes far moŕe sense to build a second pool and worry about renovations to Ravensong Pool later on if necessary Check out the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre in Cochrane AB which is amazing. A smaller version of this pool beside the arena would be beneficial to all residents in the RDN. Thank you. on Twitter Share I did your survey but I am not able to attend the public hearings coming up later this month. But as a resident of Qualicum Beach I want to reiterate my opposition to RDN's plan to renovate the Ravensong Pool in Qualicum Beach. A new pool in Parksville next to the arena would be a far better idea. With the population growth in the area it makes far moŕe sense to build a second pool and worry about renovations to Ravensong Pool later on if necessary Check out the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre in Cochrane AB which is amazing. A smaller version of this pool beside the arena would be beneficial to all residents in the RDN. Thank you. on Linkedin Email I did your survey but I am not able to attend the public hearings coming up later this month. But as a resident of Qualicum Beach I want to reiterate my opposition to RDN's plan to renovate the Ravensong Pool in Qualicum Beach. A new pool in Parksville next to the arena would be a far better idea. With the population growth in the area it makes far moŕe sense to build a second pool and worry about renovations to Ravensong Pool later on if necessary Check out the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre in Cochrane AB which is amazing. A smaller version of this pool beside the arena would be beneficial to all residents in the RDN. Thank you. link

    I did your survey but I am not able to attend the public hearings coming up later this month. But as a resident of Qualicum Beach I want to reiterate my opposition to RDN's plan to renovate the Ravensong Pool in Qualicum Beach. A new pool in Parksville next to the arena would be a far better idea. With the population growth in the area it makes far moŕe sense to build a second pool and worry about renovations to Ravensong Pool later on if necessary Check out the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre in Cochrane AB which is amazing. A smaller version of this pool beside the arena would be beneficial to all residents in the RDN. Thank you.

    joannemonahan asked over 5 years ago

    Thank you for taking the time to fill out the survey and following up with your prefrences for a pool location.

  • Share Do the expansion plans include increasing the accessibility of the Ravensong facilities? I currently use a wheelchair, and I find the current family changerooms and main pool access to be insufficient for individuals with mobility challenges. The changerooms need larger benches to facilitate clothing changes. While the main pool has a lift, it's extremely difficult to transfer onto it. The "water" wheelchairs should have removable arms, to allow for easier transfers from/to a wheelchair. I hope that your user groups include individuals that use wheelchairs (ie: paraplegics, quadrapalegics, etc). Thank you. Jason Nelson on Facebook Share Do the expansion plans include increasing the accessibility of the Ravensong facilities? I currently use a wheelchair, and I find the current family changerooms and main pool access to be insufficient for individuals with mobility challenges. The changerooms need larger benches to facilitate clothing changes. While the main pool has a lift, it's extremely difficult to transfer onto it. The "water" wheelchairs should have removable arms, to allow for easier transfers from/to a wheelchair. I hope that your user groups include individuals that use wheelchairs (ie: paraplegics, quadrapalegics, etc). Thank you. Jason Nelson on Twitter Share Do the expansion plans include increasing the accessibility of the Ravensong facilities? I currently use a wheelchair, and I find the current family changerooms and main pool access to be insufficient for individuals with mobility challenges. The changerooms need larger benches to facilitate clothing changes. While the main pool has a lift, it's extremely difficult to transfer onto it. The "water" wheelchairs should have removable arms, to allow for easier transfers from/to a wheelchair. I hope that your user groups include individuals that use wheelchairs (ie: paraplegics, quadrapalegics, etc). Thank you. Jason Nelson on Linkedin Email Do the expansion plans include increasing the accessibility of the Ravensong facilities? I currently use a wheelchair, and I find the current family changerooms and main pool access to be insufficient for individuals with mobility challenges. The changerooms need larger benches to facilitate clothing changes. While the main pool has a lift, it's extremely difficult to transfer onto it. The "water" wheelchairs should have removable arms, to allow for easier transfers from/to a wheelchair. I hope that your user groups include individuals that use wheelchairs (ie: paraplegics, quadrapalegics, etc). Thank you. Jason Nelson link

    Do the expansion plans include increasing the accessibility of the Ravensong facilities? I currently use a wheelchair, and I find the current family changerooms and main pool access to be insufficient for individuals with mobility challenges. The changerooms need larger benches to facilitate clothing changes. While the main pool has a lift, it's extremely difficult to transfer onto it. The "water" wheelchairs should have removable arms, to allow for easier transfers from/to a wheelchair. I hope that your user groups include individuals that use wheelchairs (ie: paraplegics, quadrapalegics, etc). Thank you. Jason Nelson

    Jason N asked over 5 years ago

    Thank you for your question. Improved accessibility is a key component of the design criteria for both wet and dry areas. Suggestions for improving existing accessibility are always welcome and will be taken into consideration for future equipment purchases or upgrades at the existing facility.

  • Share I am concerned about the period of time that the facility will be closed, and what the present patrons will do to maintain fitness, competitiveness, health and also for the employees. Would it not be better to move forward with a new pool in Parksville first, and then do the renovation and expansion in Qualicum Beach after the Parksville pool is up and running. Would help serve the communities better, and improve accessibility for all users and employees. I believe the RDN is also concerned with both communities, and both communities have enough users to warrant a pool (retirement community with large portion of population over 55 and presently the QB pool alone is not adequate to service the population.) Parksville Pool should be up and running before QB pool is under renovations. Thanks for your interest and attention. Joan Cleveland on Facebook Share I am concerned about the period of time that the facility will be closed, and what the present patrons will do to maintain fitness, competitiveness, health and also for the employees. Would it not be better to move forward with a new pool in Parksville first, and then do the renovation and expansion in Qualicum Beach after the Parksville pool is up and running. Would help serve the communities better, and improve accessibility for all users and employees. I believe the RDN is also concerned with both communities, and both communities have enough users to warrant a pool (retirement community with large portion of population over 55 and presently the QB pool alone is not adequate to service the population.) Parksville Pool should be up and running before QB pool is under renovations. Thanks for your interest and attention. Joan Cleveland on Twitter Share I am concerned about the period of time that the facility will be closed, and what the present patrons will do to maintain fitness, competitiveness, health and also for the employees. Would it not be better to move forward with a new pool in Parksville first, and then do the renovation and expansion in Qualicum Beach after the Parksville pool is up and running. Would help serve the communities better, and improve accessibility for all users and employees. I believe the RDN is also concerned with both communities, and both communities have enough users to warrant a pool (retirement community with large portion of population over 55 and presently the QB pool alone is not adequate to service the population.) Parksville Pool should be up and running before QB pool is under renovations. Thanks for your interest and attention. Joan Cleveland on Linkedin Email I am concerned about the period of time that the facility will be closed, and what the present patrons will do to maintain fitness, competitiveness, health and also for the employees. Would it not be better to move forward with a new pool in Parksville first, and then do the renovation and expansion in Qualicum Beach after the Parksville pool is up and running. Would help serve the communities better, and improve accessibility for all users and employees. I believe the RDN is also concerned with both communities, and both communities have enough users to warrant a pool (retirement community with large portion of population over 55 and presently the QB pool alone is not adequate to service the population.) Parksville Pool should be up and running before QB pool is under renovations. Thanks for your interest and attention. Joan Cleveland link

    I am concerned about the period of time that the facility will be closed, and what the present patrons will do to maintain fitness, competitiveness, health and also for the employees. Would it not be better to move forward with a new pool in Parksville first, and then do the renovation and expansion in Qualicum Beach after the Parksville pool is up and running. Would help serve the communities better, and improve accessibility for all users and employees. I believe the RDN is also concerned with both communities, and both communities have enough users to warrant a pool (retirement community with large portion of population over 55 and presently the QB pool alone is not adequate to service the population.) Parksville Pool should be up and running before QB pool is under renovations. Thanks for your interest and attention. Joan Cleveland

    Joan Cleveland asked over 5 years ago

    Thank you for your question and interest in the project. 

    A major objective being factored into the current design options is the need to minimize closure to the existing facility for exactly the reasons you mention. 

    The feasibility study for a pool and multiplex facility in Parksville is a City of Parksville project and does not involve the RDN at this time. Should that project progress it is anticipated the discussions around it and expansion to Ravensong Aquatic Centre would occur. 

  • Share Just a quick note - the survey promotion card handed out at the Parksville Polar Bear swim identifies your web site as www.getinvolved.rdn.bc.ca. That server “cannot be found”. It should be www.getinvolved.rdn.ca. on Facebook Share Just a quick note - the survey promotion card handed out at the Parksville Polar Bear swim identifies your web site as www.getinvolved.rdn.bc.ca. That server “cannot be found”. It should be www.getinvolved.rdn.ca. on Twitter Share Just a quick note - the survey promotion card handed out at the Parksville Polar Bear swim identifies your web site as www.getinvolved.rdn.bc.ca. That server “cannot be found”. It should be www.getinvolved.rdn.ca. on Linkedin Email Just a quick note - the survey promotion card handed out at the Parksville Polar Bear swim identifies your web site as www.getinvolved.rdn.bc.ca. That server “cannot be found”. It should be www.getinvolved.rdn.ca. link

    Just a quick note - the survey promotion card handed out at the Parksville Polar Bear swim identifies your web site as www.getinvolved.rdn.bc.ca. That server “cannot be found”. It should be www.getinvolved.rdn.ca.

    Nancy Fowler asked over 5 years ago

    Thank you for letting us know. 

    Thank you for letting us know.
    Thank you for letting us know.
  • Share Do not understand why we are including the old plans. The Rec Com passed a motion in July 2018 after listening to input from all user groups that they could not ratify the master plan section on proposed expansion options 1&2 to the Ravensong Pool and a new adjacent stand alone pool was the only feasible option. The RDN directors agreed on sept 3/2018. Why are we disregarding these motions and ignoring user groups input.? Do not follow? on Facebook Share Do not understand why we are including the old plans. The Rec Com passed a motion in July 2018 after listening to input from all user groups that they could not ratify the master plan section on proposed expansion options 1&2 to the Ravensong Pool and a new adjacent stand alone pool was the only feasible option. The RDN directors agreed on sept 3/2018. Why are we disregarding these motions and ignoring user groups input.? Do not follow? on Twitter Share Do not understand why we are including the old plans. The Rec Com passed a motion in July 2018 after listening to input from all user groups that they could not ratify the master plan section on proposed expansion options 1&2 to the Ravensong Pool and a new adjacent stand alone pool was the only feasible option. The RDN directors agreed on sept 3/2018. Why are we disregarding these motions and ignoring user groups input.? Do not follow? on Linkedin Email Do not understand why we are including the old plans. The Rec Com passed a motion in July 2018 after listening to input from all user groups that they could not ratify the master plan section on proposed expansion options 1&2 to the Ravensong Pool and a new adjacent stand alone pool was the only feasible option. The RDN directors agreed on sept 3/2018. Why are we disregarding these motions and ignoring user groups input.? Do not follow? link

    Do not understand why we are including the old plans. The Rec Com passed a motion in July 2018 after listening to input from all user groups that they could not ratify the master plan section on proposed expansion options 1&2 to the Ravensong Pool and a new adjacent stand alone pool was the only feasible option. The RDN directors agreed on sept 3/2018. Why are we disregarding these motions and ignoring user groups input.? Do not follow?

    Ann Mcvey asked over 5 years ago

    Thank you for the question. Both the previous and current RDN Boards reviewed a number of recommendations on the best way to address the overcapacity at Ravensong Aquatic Centre. 

    The current direction approved by both the Oceanside Services Committee and the RDN Board is that a concept design and project plan be completed to expand Ravensong. Feedback now being collected from users groups and the pubic as well as what was heard during the creation of the Oceanside Recreation Services Master Plan is being used to create expansion design options. These will be available to view and comment on at the open houses scheduled for January 15 and 16. 

Page last updated: 21 Mar 2025, 03:34 PM