Crystal Pool Replacement Project

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In June 2024, Council approved the Crystal Pool Replacement Project moving forward to referendum. Victoria voters will have the chance to weigh in on the loan required to build a new facility plus a preferred site option at the referendum on February 8, 2025.

Two locations in Central Park are being considered for the new Crystal Pool and Wellness Centre:

  • The current location of the Crystal Pool (North)
  • The location of the playground, tennis and basketball courts (South)
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Aerial-view map of Central Park showing two possible locations for the new facility; North in the northwest corners and South in the southwest corner.

Facility Features

For both site options, 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.

Regardless of the chosen site, 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
Artistic rendering of the new Crystal Pool and Wellness Centre pool area.
Artistic rendering of the pool area of the new facility by hcma Architecture + Design.
Artistic rendering of the new Crystal Pool and Wellness Centre fitness studio.
Artistic rendering of the fitness studio of the new facility by hcma Architecture + Design.
Artistic rendering of the new Crystal Pool and Wellness Centre reception area and lobby.
Artistic rendering of the lobby and reception area of the new facility by hcma Architecture + Design.

Site Options and Borrowing Amounts

Each option has a unique design and budget. For both options, a total of $47 M will be used from City reserve funds to reduce the amount of borrowing required. While the City is seeking additional funding from other levels of government to reduce the borrowing amount, until those are confirmed the referendum must seek the highest borrowing amount required. Budget tables can be viewed in the drop-down sections lower on this page.

Common to both options:

  • A portion of the green space in Central Park would be used as construction staging area
  • A new traffic signal at Quadra and Princess will improve safety and access to the facility
  • A new multi-use pathway connecting through the park to Vancouver Street at Princess

North

  • Borrowing required to build this option is $162.2 M
  • Shorter overall construction schedule and less complex construction plan
  • Impact to property taxes would be an average of $232 per residence for 20 years
  • Using current location of the Crystal Pool reduces required excavation and tree loss
  • Existing facility closed during construction
  • Central Park playground, sports courts and outdoor fitness equipment open during construction
  • Fitness and recreation services relocated during construction
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Aerial-view map of Central Park showing site layout for North option including surface and underground parking, bike parking and location of playground and sports courts.

South

  • Borrowing required to build this option is $168.9 M
  • Longer overall construction schedule and more complex phased construction plan
  • Impact to property taxes would be an average of $240 per residence for 20 years
  • Building would maximize the existing clearing but some trees would need to be removed and several more would be at risk of significant damage during construction
  • Sports courts, playground and outdoor fitness equipment closed during construction
  • Park amenities temporarily relocated in the North Park neighbourhood during construction where possible
  • After the new facility is built, the old facility demolished and the underground parking built in its place, the park amenities would be relocated to the north side of the park, in the location of the existing Crystal Pool
  • Current facility may remain open during construction but choosing this site does not guarantee that the pool will last until the end of construction
  • There is a high risk of systems failing and lost investments plus damage due to construction activity is possible which could cause a sudden and unplanned closure
  • Parking lot would not be built until about 18 months after the facility opens which would add pressure to neighbourhood parking; 35 on-street parking spaces would be temporarily added to Queens and Pembroke Streets
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Aerial-view map of Central Park showing site layout for South option including surface and underground parking, bike parking and location of playground and sports courts.

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Project Budget Overview

 Central Park NorthCentral Park South
Total project budget$209.2 M$215.9 M
Funding from City reserves($47 M)($47 M)
Net cost funded by debt$162.2 M$168.9 M

The total project budget includes all project costs from design to project close out.

The budgets were prepared by a team of experts experienced at building aquatic facilities, externally peer reviewed and informed by a detailed risk analysis and construction implementation plan.

For more information, see the financial summary presented to Council as part of the Feasibility Study staff report.

Property Tax Impacts

Tax increases would be gradually phased in over four to five years. The averages listed would be the amount paid per year for 20 years once the facility is open.

 Central Park NorthCentral Park South
Estimated tax increase (%)7.24%7.54%
Average residential cost ($)$232$240
Average business cost ($)$596$620

Estimates are based on the average 2024 residential property, assessed at $1,046,000 and a typical business at $733,000.

View more details on the property tax implications

Project Timeline

FAQ

Project Background

Information Kiosks

Check out information kiosks at Mayfair Mall, the Bay Centre and in the Crystal Pool lobby.

Get In Touch

If you have any questions about the Crystal Pool Replacement Project or need assistance with any of the materials on this page, get in touch by email or phone, 250.361.0210.