‘This is a win:’ Council makes strides toward aquatic centre in last meeting

At the final meeting of its term, Regina city council approved a plan to pay for its planned $245.1 million Indoor Aquatic Facility.

The decision passed 9-2 with all members present and only councillors Lori Bresciani (Ward 4) and Landon Mohl (Ward 10) voting against it.

“There are wins and losses but this is a win,” said Ward 5 Coun. John Findura.

“We’ve worked on this for many years and there are few things that put us on the map. This will put us on the map, we need to be on the map, we need to be recognized by the world and country (showing) who we are.”

A new aquatic centre has received strong support from Regina’s swimming community throughout the years. Many spoke as delegates at Wednesday’s meeting.

Rob Nelson had previously supported the project as part of the Regina Multisport Club, Regina Aquatic Foundation and the project’s community advisory committee until last spring.

Nelson said he wanted to see the project approved in a timely matter.

“We have a plan that meets the identified needs in the community in these previous reports,” he said.

Nelson said not going through with the vote on Wednesday would put the city behind by five years.

Tracy Moser of the Regina Piranhas Swim Club argued that having a suitable “21st century” aquatic centre in Regina was not a luxury, especially for a city the size of Regina that wishes to grow.

She voiced staunch opposition to the idea previously floated by Bresciani to reduce the scale of the project while also possibly renovating the Lawson Aquatic Centre which is nearing the end of its lifespan.

“We are not living in reality if we think the Lawson can be renovated for the dollar figure and time frame being suggested,” Moser said.

“The probability of a renovation costing much more once it’s adequately scoped and once you get into the Lawson and see potentially what problems might lie underneath and (the Lawson) being closed a lot longer is very high.”

During the debate, Bresciani once again reiterated her concerns about the price increase of the centre — having jumped about $84.4 million from its originally proposed $160.7 million.

Bresciani says she wants council to look for regional economic dollars.

“If there was an option to have two pools, I think it’s better than one,” she said

Tara Smith with Water Polo Saskatchewan also expressed her desire to see a competitive swimming pool in Regina.

“A new facility will greatly enhance our city’s recreational offering, while providing incredible opportunities for lives and competitive experiences for young and adult athletes, including the ability to host national events and provide numerous benefits to residents of all ages,” she said.

A new aquatic centre was ranked as the No. 1 priority for the City of Regina’s master recreational plan in 2010.

Mayor Sandra Masters campaigned on bringing the centre to Regina in 2020 when she was first elected.

“Swimming pools are one of those things that are the lowest barrier activities that folks can take part in,” she told reporters after the meeting.

“The significance for the City of Regina, as you heard – we haven’t built one since 1990. 34 years is a long time to wait.”

Masters said she expects to see shovels in the ground in about a year from now.

“We have heard from the delegates today and received significant numbers of emails and phone calls as well and it’s very clear that the community strongly supports this new indoor aquatic facility,” said Ward 1 Coun. Cheryl Stadnichuk.

“It’s going to be a valuable and well-used facility for generations and it will be the pride of our city.

“It’s been planned for years after extensive engagement with the community and user groups. Any longer that we delay with proceeding with this …. Any further delay is just going to cost us more.”

The centre is scheduled to be opened in 2028.

The City will receive funding help from the federal and provincial government. (Daniel Reech/980 CJME)

A rendering of the Competition Natatorium. (City of Regina)