A referendum looking to borrow up to $30 million to upgrade a Qualicum Beach pool now has a set voting day.
The Nanaimo Regional District (RDN) announced general voting will take place on April 5, 2025, to finance the Ravensong Aquatic Centre expansion project, with information sessions taking place over the next two months.
Resident electors and property electors in the City of Parksville, Town of Qualicum Beach, and RDN Electoral Areas E, F, G, and H are eligible to vote.
The aquatic centre is the most used indoor recreation facility in the Oceanside area and has been open since 1995.
In 2019, the facility was identified to be at capacity during the recreation master plan study as program attendance continued to increase.
Alternative locations, detailed costs, and community needs were assessed before the expansion was proposed which features a new four-lane, 25-metre pool, a leisure pool, a lazy river, new sauna and steam rooms, a bigger lobby, universal changerooms, and multi-purpose rooms.
The design was made to be more inclusive, accessible, and energy efficient and offer new recreation opportunities.
The project is expected to cost $36 million with $30 million in long-term borrowing and $6 million in capital reserves.
Information sessions are scheduled from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. on:
- February 24 – Coombs Fairgrounds – Arrowsmith Gym, 1014 Ford Rd. Coombs
- Feb. 26 – Lighthouse Community Centre, 240 Lions Way, Qualicum Beach
- March 3 – Nanoose Place Community Centre, 2925 Northwest Bay Rd. Nanoose Bay
- Mar. 5 – Craig Street Commons, 330 Craig Street, Parksville
- Mar. 12 – St. Columba Presbyterian Church, 921 Wembley Rd. Parksville
- Mar. 17 (Virtual session)
If borrowing is approved, construction will start in early 2026, with the project estimated to be 24 to 28 months long.
