Regina breaks ground on $313.6 million aquatics facility with geothermal innovation

Shovels are officially in the ground for Regina’s long-awaited indoor aquatics facility (IAF), a project city leaders say will transform recreation tourism and sustainability in the Queen City.

The $313.6 million centre will be built at the Sportsplex on Elphinstone Street, replacing the aging Lawson pool.

The facility has a budget of $285.1 million, with an additional $28.5 million budget for the geothermal heating facility, bringing the total project budget to $313.6 million.

Back in 2024, the project was originally allocated $160.7 million by city council.

Once completed in 2029, the facility will feature two 50-metre Olympic-sized pools designed to host national competitions, alongside a wave pool, watersides, dry land training spaces, community areas and outdoor play structures.

Mayor Chad Bachynski called the groundbreaking a turning point after years of study and debate.

“It’s an incredibly exciting day for Regina, and it just shows that Regina deserves nice things,” he said. “This is going to be a lot more than just a new pool. We have an opportunity to leverage it to enhance our community in ways that go beyond just swimming.”

Dozens gathered outside the Sportplex to celebrate the start of construction. (Jacob Bamhour/ 980 CJME)

Read more:

• Regina’s indoor aquatic centre to cost $40 million more, report says
• City extends Wascana Pool’s season to September 28
• Tax hike looms as Regina weighs payment options for new indoor pool

The project has been more than 15 years in the making. Marj Walton, executive director of Swim Saskatchewan, was part of the first feasibility study in 2010 and has advocated for a new facility ever since. She says the impact on athletes will be immediate.

“Right now, because there’s only one pool, swimming can’t host a national competition; we need two. And for water polo, the depth isn’t enough to host certain national events either,” Walton explained.

“This new facility finally creates those opportunities, while giving more kids the chance to get involved in aquatic sports.”

On top of the competitive benefits, Walton says the addition of Regina’s first indoor leisure pool outside hotels will be a draw for families and visiting athletes alike.

Canada’s first deep geothermal facility

Beyond new amenities, the aquatic centre will also be a Canadian first. The building will be heated by deep-geothermal systems, eliminating the need for natural gas boilers.

Erik Nickel, Chief Operating Officer of PTRC Sustainable Energy, said crews will drill more than two kilometres underground to tap into naturally occurring 60-degree water.

“The system is modelled to sustain itself with unlimited hot water for at least 70 years,” Nickle said. “It builds on Saskatchewan’s oil and gas drilling expertise, now applied in an urban atmosphere.”

The geothermal system is expected to cut emissions equivalent to removing more than 2,355 cars from the road each year.

Swim Saskatchewan’s Marj Walton said the facility will finally allow Regina to host national competitions. (Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)

A shared investment

Funding comes from all three levels of government: $51.2 million from Ottawa, $42.7 million from the province and $219.7 million from the city.

Government Relations Minister Erick Schmalz said the provincial contribution is about more than sport.

“Facilities like this give kids focus, direction and a sense of community. They provide the tools to succeed in life,” he said.

Minister Eric Schmalz highlighted the province’s $42.7-million contribution to the project. (Jacob Bamhour/ 980 CJME)

Looking ahead

With construction officially underway, officials say the long-discussed project is finally becoming a reality.

Bachynski said the aquatics facility is about accessibility, equity and creating a space where everyone feels welcome.

“It’s a project years in the making that will benefit Regina for generations,” he said.

Mayor Chad Bachynski called the day a turning point, saying Regina “deserves nice things.”
(Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)