The City of Maple Ridge will be asking the public about a new aquatics centre to replace the Hammond Pool early in the year.
City council heard an update about the recreation facility at the Dec. 12 meeting. Christa Balatti, manager of special projects with the parks, recreation and culture department, noted that last year funds were approved for a feasibility study. It’s deemed a high-priority project by the public, identified by the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan.
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Vancouver-based HCMA Architecture and Design has been selected to do the feasibility study. Their work will include community engagement, analyzing trends in recreation facility development, creating three or four design concepts based on engagement, technical analysis, a costing exercise, and operating cost analysis.
They will also look at whether other amenities, such as a library, indoor running track, or activities spaces, could be included for efficiency.
Balatti said the engagement piece will see a survey launched in mid-January, user group meetings in January and February, with open houses and booths at community events.
“We look forward to coming back to council at around mid to late February to engage council on this work as well, and to hear your thoughts around the designs and what you would like to see in a brand new multi-use facility,” Balatti said.
Concept designs will be developed in March and April, followed by costing, and then a second round of community engagement in May through July. A final feasibility report and presentation are planned before council takes its summer break in August.
“I know everyone on council is excited about this, and it’s something we all talked about during the [election] campaign,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “It’s exciting to see it come through.”
Coun. Ahmed Yousef asked whether city staff is considering any other sites.
“There was a lot of push-back against this particular location,” said Yousef. “Worst case scenario, if we do receive negative feedback, do we have a plan B, I’m hoping?”
Stephane Labonne, the city general manager of parks, recreation and culture, answered it’s the only location being considered for an aquatics centre.
“This is where all of our eggs are in all of our baskets, right now,” he said.
Coun. Jenny Tan called the work “super exciting” and asked if everything goes well, when could construction begin.
Labonne said funding for design work would be the next step, and financing the facility will be a “big conversation” coming up in fall of 2024.
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