New Aquatics Facility Project

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.

In December 2023, Council approved $2 million in the 2024 Capital Budget to begin design work for a new aquatics facility at the Dow Centennial Centre.

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 design budget from $2.0 million to $5.4 million, as a result of the Aquatics facility public engagement.

In August 2024, Bylaw C13-24 authorized borrowing $5.4 million for detailed design, and the DCC Aquatics and Site Integration report was presented in April 2025. In July 2025, Council approved the construction budget and the first reading of Borrowing Bylaw C16-25 for $66.6 million. The second and third readings were completed in August 2025. The total project budget is $72 million, funded through borrowing and contributions from Dow.

Dow is contributing $5.6 million CAD toward the design and construction of the City of Fort Saskatchewan’s new aquatics facility and $1.2 million CAD toward a reserve fund for the Access for Everyone program to provide equitable access to recreation, culture programs and city facilities. This reserve fund will act as an endowment to provide a sustainable funding source for residents in need both today and well into the future.

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

Q. What is the current and future status of Harbour Pool?

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

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

A. The new aquatics facility at the Dow Centennial Centre will be nearly twice the size of Harbour Pool. Its larger size means there will be space for spontaneous use—like lane swimming and leisure pool access—even during scheduled programs. Draft plans estimate swimming lesson capacity will grow from 5,300 to about 9,200 spaces per year. The facility will also be open 9 more hours per week to match the hours of the Dow Centennial Centre.

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

A. 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.

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

A. 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.

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

A. The new aquatics facility will be in the southwest corner of the site. A new entrance on the south end of the Dow Centennial Centre will be added and a new lobby will be created which will connect to the existing lobby.

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

A. 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.

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

A. 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.

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

A. Some areas inside the Dow Centennial Centre (DCC) will be affected during construction. The ATB Wellness Studio will be repurposed into a new lobby connecting the DCC to the future aquatics facility. Equipment and programs from that space will be moved elsewhere in the building to maintain current fitness services, including reviewing available lease spaces.

Construction will bring more noise, vibration, dust, and activity. The City will continue working with DCC staff, Shell Theatre, Transit, and other departments to limit impacts. Nearby schools, businesses, and residents will be notified in advance. Plans are in place to reduce disruptions. Any service interruptions (like electricity or water) will be scheduled outside of operating hours. In 2026, road and utility work will affect traffic on Town Crest Road and access to the northwest parking lot.

Q: Does the new pool at the Dow Centennial Centre prohibit the addition of a new arena?

A: The design and construction team considered a future arena when determining the location of the new pool. The current design accounts for a new arena on the Dow Centennial Centre Site.