Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Ottawa and Carleton University are entering into negotiations to build a new aquatics centre. The new centre would be located on the Carleton University campus and would include a 50-metre competitive pool, a 25-metre warm-up pool, and a community pool.
The 2024 Development Charges report suggested the price of a new aquatic facility would be $54.6 million, CTV News has reported.
In approving the negotiations at its July 2 meeting, the city’s Finance and Corporate Services Committee decided that the new aquatics centre would be able to improve access to aquatic activities and programs for residents and allow the city to host competitive swimming, diving, water polo, and synchronized swimming events. The new pool will be accessible via public transit and close to Highway 417.
The city and university will now negotiate the details of the project, including the ownership and operations of the facility. The expected timeline for construction is five years.
The committee also approved the purchase of 1754 St. Joseph Blvd. from the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa. The property will be used as transitional housing and can accommodate up to 150 clients. The building also has 70 rooms, private offices, a commercial kitchen, and other common areas. The city believes that the site could also be used to develop additional affordable housing units.
City council will vote on the committee’s recommendations on Wednesday (July 10).