No quick fix for new Richmond aquatic centre, months after cancelled opening
Given the lengthy delays, it has become apparent that the structural problems with the new aquatic facilities at the Minoru Centre for Active Living are serious.
See also
- Opening of new Richmond aquatic centre postponed due to shifting base
- $490-million expansion of East Vancouver community and recreational hub approved
- New design concept for New Westminster's replacement of Canada Games Pool
- New $132-million aquatic and recreation centre in Port Coquitlam opening this year
- City of North Vancouver puts plans for new $237-million recreation centre on hold
In mid-February, the City of Richmond announced that a planned March 11 full opening of the new $80-million aquatic and recreational hub had to be postponed.
During commissioning work, it was discovered that one of the concrete bases of the six swimming pools had shifted when filled with water. At the time, the municipal government said the opening had to be delayed to determine the scope of the problem and allow for repairs.
The rest of the facility — the two-storey seniors centre and events centre — opened to the public as planned.
Swimming pools at Minoru Centre for Active Living in Richmond being tested with water in December 2018. (HCMA Architecture + Design)
In an update on the project today, city spokesperson Clay Adams says the municipal government is now awaiting an investigation report on what caused the lap pool to fail.
“That report is expected shortly and will tell us, once and for all, what actually led to the leaks and subsequent failure,” Adams told Daily Hive.
“Once we know the cause, the city will move forward to undertake the repairs and any associated work required to ensure the Minoru Aquatic Centre pools will be safe to open.”
There is no timeline for the opening of the aquatic centre, but city officials will know more after reviewing the report.
All costs of the required repair work are completely covered by insurance — there will be no cost to taxpayers.
Artistic rendering of Minoru Centre for Active Living. (HCMA Architecture + Design)
The 110,000-sq-ft facility is located at Minoru Park, just west of CF Richmond Centre shopping mall. It was constructed to replace two ageing at the park — the existing seniors centre at Minoru Place Activity Centre and Minoru Aquatic Centre, which will remain open until the new swimming facilities are ready for the public.
The aquatic centre component of the new facility includes two 25-metre length swimming pools — one eight-lane tank and one six-lane tank — and a large leisure pool with a large lazy river run, water sprays, and play features.
A wellness area will boast Canada’s two largest hot tubs, a cold plunge pool, a steam room, saunas, and an 8,500-sq-ft fitness gym.
Artistic rendering of Minoru Centre for Active Living. (HCMA Architecture + Design)
Artistic rendering of Minoru Centre for Active Living. (HCMA Architecture + Design)
See also
- Opening of new Richmond aquatic centre postponed due to shifting base
- $490-million expansion of East Vancouver community and recreational hub approved
- New design concept for New Westminster's replacement of Canada Games Pool
- New $132-million aquatic and recreation centre in Port Coquitlam opening this year
- City of North Vancouver puts plans for new $237-million recreation centre on hold
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