New Aquatics Facility Project

Background

Harbour Pool, built in 1982, is nearing the end of its lifecycle and no longer meets community needs. Its current design limits simultaneous aquatic activities, restricting participation and programming opportunities. As Fort Saskatchewan grows, limitations will increase.

In 2023, the City completed an Indoor Recreation Infrastructure Service Level Review. This three-phase review assessed Harbour Pool’s condition, current service levels, and potential facility expansions. Three scenarios were identified:

  1. Expansion and renovation to the Harbour Pool
  2. Renovation to the Harbour Pool and expansion at the DCC
  3. Expansion at the DCC

Previous reports can be found on our Aquatics Infrastructure Reports page.

Based on these scenarios, Council approved designing a new aquatics facility at the Dow Centennial Centre (DCC). A related question in the 2024 Municipal Census showed 61.2% support for the project (26.6% No, 12.2% no response). On June 25, 2024, Council amended the 2024 capital budget from $2 million to $5.4 million and approved a borrowing bylaw to fund the project.

An aquatics survey was posted from February 18 to March 5, 2025, to get input from the public regarding features in a new aquatics facility.

Read the New Aquatics Centre What We Heard Report

Project Phases

New Aquatics Facility Construction Phases

Phase 1: Pre-Validation
Define project scope, procure, and onboard the design and construction team.

Phase 2: Validation (Current Phase)
Finalize the location of the new facility at the Dow Centennial Center, develop and refine concept plans, conduct public engagement, begin design work, and finalize construction costs. Present the final design and costs to Council for approval.

Phase 3: Detailed Design
Upon budget approval, complete architectural, mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil designs.

Phase 4: Construction
Begin construction, which will take most of the project timeline. The City will communicate expected disruptions and minimize impacts on operations.

Phase 5: Occupancy
Train staff at the new facility, hire new team members, transition operations from Harbour Pool, and host a grand opening.

Next Steps Timeline

  • June 24, 2025 – Capital budget update
  • July 8, 2025 – Debenture bylaw, validation study report, and first reading of the borrowing bylaw
  • August 26, 2025 – Debenture bylaw, second and third reading of the borrowing bylaw
  • September 2025 – Spring 2026 (if approved) – Detailed design work
  • Spring 2026 – Anticipated construction starts

Aquatics Features and Site-Improvements

At the regular Council meeting on April 8, 2025, Council approved the option for the design scope of a new aquatic centre.

The design scope includes the following aquatics features:

  • 10 Lane Lap Pool
  • Leisure Pool
  • Tot Pool
  • Hot Pool
  • Sauna
  • Steam Room
  • Water Play Structure
  • Cold Plunge Pool
  • Lazy River
  • Water Slide – High Speed (youth)
  • Water Slide – Child Gentle
  • Drop Slide in Deep Water
  • Diving Board (1m and 3m)
  • Climbing Wall
  • Relaxation Area
  • Space for Water Rehabilitation and Therapy
  • Suspended Obstacle Course
  • Two Multipurpose Rooms
  • Parent Viewing Area
  • Spectator Viewing Area
  • Ramp Access to all Pools

Site improvements include:

  • Updated Dow Centennial Centre lobby with a corridor to the new aquatics centre.
  • Additional parking stalls (minimum of 140).
  • Development of a ring road around the northwest parking lot.
      
FAQs

What is the current and future status of Harbour Pool?

Harbour Pool will be operational until the new aquatics facility is in use at the Dow Centennial Centre.

How will aquatics services change if a new aquatics facility is built?

The new aquatics facility proposed for the Dow Centennial Centre would be nearly double the size of the existing Harbour Pool, and have an increase in available hours, amenities, and program capacities (e.g., swim lessons).

Why was the Dow Centennial Centre chosen as the location for a new aquatics facility?

City Council considered various options for expanding aquatic services, including maintaining and expanding Harbour Pool, renovating and maintaining Harbour Pool while expanding at the Dow Centennial Centre and relocating aquatics to the Dow Centennial Centre. The relocation of aquatics services to the Dow Centennial Centre was selected for its lower costs, operational efficiency, and minimal disruption. A two-pool option was deemed impractical due to higher expenses and staffing needs.

What will happen to the Harbour Pool site if the pool is closed?

A comprehensive assessment and feasibility study will determine the best use of the Harbour Pool site. Options include repurposing for community use or decommissioning. Repurposing the Harbour Pool from an aquatics facility to a state that could be used as a potential community asset would cost approximately $2 -3 million. This type of approach has been successful in other communities to achieve a variety of purposes. The City would ensure the site's redevelopment aligns with local needs and values.

Potential demolition costs for the facility are $500,000, including grading the site, capping underground utilities and general site remediation and removal of materials. This would allow the entire site to be repurposed.

How will the new aquatics facility connect to the Dow Centennial Centre?

The new aquatics facility will be in the southwest corner of the Dow Centennial Centre. A new entrance will be created at the south and will connect to the existing north entrance.

Is the proposed new aquatics facility large enough to accommodated our projected population growth?

With the population of Fort Saskatchewan expected to exceed 47,000 by 2040, the proposed new aquatics facility will be designed to accommodate significant growth. The proposed aquatics facility offers increased capacity and lesson spaces to meet the community's current and future needs.

Will the proposed new aquatics facility be accessible and inclusive to all residents?

The City will incorporate inclusive design principles to ensure the new aquatics facility is accessible to individuals of all ages and abilities. To accommodate a wide range of needs and preferences, features such as wheelchair-accessible entrances, adaptive equipment for those with mobility challenges, inclusive changing spaces, and adapted programs will be included.

Will there be any operational disruptions to the Dow Centennial Centre?

No major operational disruptions are expected at this time. Once the project gets closer to construction any disruptions will be communicated to the public and the project team will work to minimize operational disruptions as much as possible.