Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project

The RDN completed the final phase of developing a Recreation Services Master Plan for District 69 (Oceanside). It 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 register, 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 your questions and share your input!
The RDN completed the final phase of developing a Recreation Services Master Plan for District 69 (Oceanside). It 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 register, 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 your questions and share your input!
Q&A
Do you have a question for us about the Ravensong expansion project? If so, please ask us here.
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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 about 3 years agoThank you for taking the time to fill out the survey and following up with your prefrences for a pool location.
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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 about 3 years agoThank 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.
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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 about 3 years agoThank 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.
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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 about 3 years agoThank you for letting us know.
Thank you for letting us know.Thank you for letting us know. -
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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 about 3 years agoThank 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.
Timeline
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May 2018 - District 69 (Oceanside) 2019-2029 Master Plan approved
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stage -
Nov 2019 - Stakeholder and User Groups Focus Groups
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stage -
December 2019 to January 7, 2020- Public Survey
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stage -
January 20 & 23, 2020 - Community Open Houses
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stageFeedback gathered on four expansion design options
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February 13, 2020 - Update Report Presentation #1 to Oceanside Services Committee
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stage -
Feb-March 2020 Preferred Option Feedback/Survey
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stage -
June 25, 2020 - Update Report Presentation #2 to Oceanside Services Committee
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stagePreferred design option(s) presented to the OSC and recommendations made to the RDN Board. For more details see update.
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June 10, 2021 - Phased Options Update to Oceanside Services Committee
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stageClick here to view what was presented at the recent OSC meeting with recommendations to the RDN Board.
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June 22, 2021 - RDN Board Meeting
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stageThe Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) Board supported proceeding with the next phase of the design and planning for the Ravensong Aquatic Centre (RAC) expansion project.
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November 17, 2021 - Oceanside Services committee Meeting
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stageThe Oceanside Services Committee will receive recommendations for the RAC expansion project.
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November , 2021 RDN Board gives direction for Next Stage of Expansion Design
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stageOceanside Services Committee (OSC) recommend to the RDN Board that staff continue to plan for an expansion of Ravensong Aquatic Centre in phases that could be adapted.
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June 27, 2022 Oceanside Services Committee
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stageOceanside Services Committee scheduled to receive an update on cost estimates for possible expansion to begin in 2023.
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RDN Board gives direction for next stage of Expansion
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project is currently at this stageAt the July 12, 2022 regular meeting of the RDN Board the following motion related to the expansion to Ravensong Aquatic Centre was passed:
That the Regional District of Nanaimo proceed with option 1B as noted on page 4 of the Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion and Regional Aquatics for Oceanside Communities 2022-2024 Plan staff report.
That should funds be awarded to the Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project from the Canada Community Building Fund Strategic Priorities Fund program stream, the timelines, including phasing options for the project, be re-evaluated, and revised to capitalize on awarded funds.
At the same meeting the RDN Board referred the following motion to an upcoming regular Board meeting
That a referendum occur concurrently with the referendum for the amendment to Bylaw 899.
Background Documents
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Presentations
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Oceanside Services Committee - June 11, 2021 (8.84 MB) (pdf)
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Oceanside Services Committee Options Report - June 25, 2020 (211 KB) (pdf)
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Oceanside Services Committee Options Presentation - June 25, 2020 (5.15 MB) (pdf)
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Attachment 1 Preferred Options Summary - June 25, 2020 OSC (1.04 MB) (pdf)
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Attachment 2 Financial Projections Options - June 25, 2020 OSC (693 KB) (pdf)
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Oceanside Services Committee - February 13, 2020 (27.7 MB) (pdf)
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Oceanside Services Committee - Project Introduction - Nov 14, 2019 (4.56 MB) (pdf)
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News Releases
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Open Houses Presentation Boards - Jan 20 & 23, 2020 (9.11 MB) (pdf)
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Ravensong OSC Presentation_June 27 FINAL R4 email.pdf (13 MB) (pdf)
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Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion and Regional Aquatics for Oceanside Communities 2022 - 2024 PLAN .pdf (291 KB) (pdf)
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Attachment 1 - Ravensong Aquatic Centre Design and Phasing Options Summary.pdf (1.9 MB) (pdf)
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Attachment 2 - Class C Cost Estimates Ravensong Aquatic Centre Original Option (OO).pdf (294 KB) (pdf)
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Attachment 3 - Tax Requisition Per Funding Member – EA E Included at Usage, Assessment and 13.pdf (187 KB) (pdf)
Photos
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Who's listening
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Manager, Recreation Services
Email dbanman@rdn.bc.ca