Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project
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!
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!
Q&A
Do you have a question for us about the Ravensong expansion project? If so, please ask us here.
-
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 almost 5 years agoThank 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 almost 5 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.
-
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 almost 5 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.
-
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 almost 5 years agoThank 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 almost 5 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
-
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 stage -
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 stage -
June 10, 2021 - Phased Options Update to Oceanside Services Committee
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stage -
June 22, 2021 - RDN Board supports proceeding with the next phase of the design and planning
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stage -
November 17, 2021 - Oceanside Services committee receives recommendations for the RAC expansion project.
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stage -
November, 2021 - RDN Board gives direction for Next Stage of Expansion Design
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stage -
June 27, 2022 - Oceanside Services Committee receives an update on cost estimates for possible expansion to begin in 2023.
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stage -
July 12, 2022 - RDN Board gives direction for next stage of Expansion
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stage -
September 12, 2023 - RDN Board directs Ravensong Aquatic Facility be put on hold and be re-examined in 2025
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stage -
January 30, 2024 - Parksville Pool Feasibility Service is abandoned
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stage -
March 7, 2024 - District 69 Swimming Pool Service Select Committee meeting for Ravensong expansion options
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stage -
March 26, 2024 - Board Meeting, discuss Committee recommendations
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stage -
April - July 2024 - Working on Class B Costing report
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stage -
September 23, 2024 - Presentation to Oceanside Services Committee - Motions carried
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stage -
October 8, 2024 - RDN Board carries motion to move forward with referendum
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stage -
October 22, 2024 Board approves referendum question
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project has finished this stage -
October 23, 2024 - Referendum preparation begins
Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion Project is currently at this stagePlease visit the referendum page for updates and details on the upcoming referendum.
Background Documents
- Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion - Schematic Design Update - June 27, 2022 (13 MB) (pdf)
- Oceanside Recreation Services Master Plan - April 2018 (4.57 MB) (pdf)
-
Presentations
- Oceanside Services Committee Presentation on Expansion - September 23, 2024 (14.2 MB) (pdf)
- Ravensong Aquatic Centre Expansion and Regional Aquatics for Oceanside Communities 2022-2024 PLAN June 27, 2022.pdf (2.77 MB) (pdf)
- Oceanside Services Committee - June 11, 2021 (8.84 MB) (pdf)
- Oceanside Services Committee Options Report - June 25, 2020 (211 KB) (pdf)
- Oceanside Services Committee Options Presentation - June 25, 2020 (5.15 MB) (pdf)
- Attachment 1 Preferred Options Summary - June 25, 2020 OSC (1.04 MB) (pdf)
- Attachment 2 Financial Projections Options - June 25, 2020 OSC (693 KB) (pdf)
- Oceanside Services Committee - February 13, 2020 (27.7 MB) (pdf)
- Oceanside Services Committee - Project Introduction - Nov 14, 2019 (4.56 MB) (pdf)
- Open Houses Presentation Boards - Jan 20 & 23, 2020 (9.11 MB) (pdf)
Photos
Follow Project
Who's listening
-
Manager, Recreation Services
Email dbanman@rdn.bc.ca