The City is replacing the aging Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre with a high-quality health and wellness facility that is climate resilient and universally accessible.
Why now?
Following a public referendum that supported the loan required to build a new facility, Council directed staff to proceed to detailed design and construction for the new facility.
Artistic rendering of the fitness area of the new facility by hcma Architecture + Design.
Artistic rendering of the lobby of the new facility by hcma Architecture + Design.
Artistic rendering of the pool area of the new facility by hcma Architecture + Design.
Latest News
October 27, 2025 - Quarterly Update
The Crystal Pool Replacement Project is underway and currently in the planning and design phase and on track with the schedule and budget.
Schematic design kicked off in mid-October and preliminary technical site studies have wrapped up. Project management services have been awarded, and procurement of construction management services is underway. A grant application was submitted to the UCBM Strategic Priorities Fund for up to $7 million in funding.
Staff liaised with community partners to develop a new plan to provide pool access during the Crystal Pool construction closure and is finalizing an agreement with Concert Properties to use the building at Quadra and Broughton Street, currently used by the YMCA/YWCA. The interim facility will have space for the City to continue offering a variety of fitness and recreation programs.
Once the YMCA/YWCA moves to their new location at the Bay Centre in early 2026, the City will begin upgrades at the Broughton Street location to make the space suitable for City operation for the planned five-year construction period of the new facility. In fall 2026, the Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre will close permanently, and the interim City facility will open for use. Recreation services planning is underway.
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Timeline
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Design: 21 months
Construction: 41 months
Demolition to start near design completion
New facility open 62 months after start of project
FAQ
The Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre is anticipated to close in fall 2026, earlier than initially planned, to reduce risks associated with operating the aging facility. An early closure also allows demolition and site preparation to start sooner, creating schedule efficiencies for the replacement project. The exact closure date will be confirmed as the construction schedule is finalized.
Residents can expect continuity of core recreation services, such as swim clubs, swim lessons, aqua fit, gym and fitness programs.
Pool and swim lane space will be reduced in the smaller interim pool. Staff will work with clubs and regional pools to balance swimming access. Decisions are still to be made about re-opening other amenities at Broughton Street including the sauna, steam room, gymnasium, racquet courts and cafe spaces.
The design for the new Crystal Pool and Wellness Centre is a high-quality health and wellness facility that is climate resilient and universally accessible.
Features of the new pool area will include:
50 m pool with moveable bulkhead
Leisure pool with 25 m warm-up lanes, a shallow area, play features and a lazy river
Two hot pools at different temperatures
Sauna and steam room
Seating and viewing areas
The recreation centre will also have:
Large fitness studio
Multi-purpose rooms for sports, dance, fitness, wellness and art
Community gathering spaces
Universal washroom and change room options
Expanded parking including accessible and EV charging options
Short- and long-term bike parking
The timeline and plans for facility closure will be refined later this year.
The public will have to use other pools in the region during construction much like when the pool is closed for annual maintenance or unplanned repair work.
A team of experts with a track record of successfully delivering pool and recreation facilities across the country are working on the replacement project. The budgets follow the City's updated financial policies that ensure ample contingencies are included to manage risks effectively. The budget estimates have factored in the current stage of the project, market escalation and volatility plus inflation over the life of the project. Robust risk management and governance strategies are also being used to ensure scope, timelines and costs are well managed.
The City will be pursuing all opportunities for additional funding for the replacement project. The City has applied for a $25 million grant and will continue to pursue additional grant opportunities as the project proceeds. Additionally, the City will explore other revenue-generating avenues, such as sponsorships and naming rights for the new facility.
The new facility aims to be a place where everyone feels welcome. Accessibility and inclusion are embedded into all aspects of the new facility's design, features and future operations.
The new facility design follows universal design principles and will pursue Rick Hansen Certification. Universal design ensures meaningful access to all parts of the facility. Key features include:
fully accessible circulation
clear wayfinding
multiple options to access pools
level transitions throughout the facility
large universal washroom and change rooms
With a focus on the intersectional needs of our communities, the new facility will promote all facets of physical, mental and social health and wellness to benefit people of all ages, abilities, backgrounds and experiences.
Approximately 14 trees will need to be removed and for Central Park South, 29 trees will need to be removed. The City will work with the design team and arborist to minimize the impacts to other trees during construction.
Locations for replacement trees have been identified and it is feasible to replace all trees removed due to construction on site.
The Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre is at the end of its useful life and is no longer meeting the needs of the community. An in-depth facility assessment has revealed that many of the building systems and components are failing and require significant investment to keep the facility operational. The pool drainage system, waterproofing and parts of the building structure including the skylights are at greatest risk of failure. The facility also has accessibility barriers that prevent equitable use, plus the building is the City’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases.
As the City’s only public pool and a provider of a wide range of programming, this facility provides an essential service to residents and visitors in Victoria. Replacing this facility will ensure that it continues to meet the community’s social, health and wellness needs for years to come. Recreation centres play an important role in building strong, inclusive and resilient communities. A new Crystal Pool facility will create opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to enjoy the spaces and programs.
