COQUITLAM, B.C., March 2, 2023 – Visitors to Coquitlam’s Spani Pool in Mundy Park can look forward to an expanded and renovated facility as construction work is starting.
Following an extensive planning process in 2020 and 2021, which included engagement with the community and pool user groups, Council has now approved the final plans for the facility. Construction will begin in March 2023 and is expected to take about one year, during which time the pool will be closed.
In addition to the City’s contribution, the expansion is made possible through a $4.42 million contribution through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, with the Government of Canada investing over $2.41 million and the Province of British Columbia providing $2.01 million.
New Pool Will Bring More Swimming Options
Once complete for summer 2024, the renovated outdoor pool will include a new leisure pool with shallow beach entry, splash area, lazy river and a 1.2-metre deep end. A new warming pool close to the forest edge will provide therapeutic opportunities for visitors in a natural setting – which was a common theme in the public feedback on the project.
The existing lap tank will be renovated but will stay the same size with eight 25-metre swim lanes, a dive tank and a new ramp to provide greater accessibility.
These plans maximize the future programming potential of the pool and make it inclusive for all ages and abilities. Staff anticipate serving 16,000 drop-in visits, and 2,250 swimming lesson participants in 360 classes and certification courses per season.
Plans Focus on Accessibility, Sustainability and Usability
All features of the new facility have been designed with accessibility and sustainability as top priorities. This includes:
- accessible universal change rooms (including gendered and non-gendered washrooms, lockers and showers)
- accessible admission area and staff spaces
- universal washrooms that can be accessed year-round from Mundy Park
- multipurpose room that can be used year-round for workshops, training, certification courses and recreation programming
- improved drop-off and pick-up area
The space has also been designed for event hosting with new or expanded elements such as deck spaces that include spectator seating, a lawn area for lounging and a concession area.
To improve energy efficiency and manage greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the facility will make use of sustainable technologies such as pool covers, an air source heat pump and high-efficiency gas boiler for water heating, and an air source heat pump for heating and cooling the building interior. These design and retrofit improvements, funded through the City’s Carbon Offset Reserve, will significantly reduce the GHG emissions of the facility by as much as 80%, while also providing significant annual energy cost savings.
More information about the project, including renderings of the renovated facility, is available at coquitlam.ca/facilityprojects.
Renewing a Community Asset
To date, Spani Pool has primarily been used for recreation swimming, as well as a variety of other uses such as lessons, fitness, play and competitive swimming. Spani has also been the Coquitlam Sharks Swim Club’s home pool for the last five decades for its meets and training, and this improved facility will continue that relationship.
The renewal and expansion of Spani Pool is part of long-term planning to ensure the City has the optimal quantity and quality of aquatic facilities for a rapidly growing municipality. The City’s 2015 Aquatic Services and Infrastructure Strategy identified the need for a renovation at the 52-year-old facility in order to provide improved accessibility and inclusive amenities.
Quotes
“Our Government is proud to celebrate this milestone alongside our provincial and municipal partners. The Spani Pool renovation, once complete, will furnish Coquitlam residents with a bigger, more sustainable, and accessible aquatic facility. The expansion and updated features will ensure the Pool continues to meet the growing community’s recreation needs. We will continue supporting projects such as these that make life better for Canadians.”
Ron McKinnon, Member of Parliament for Coquitlam—Port Coquitlam, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
“I’m thrilled that Coquitlam will soon begin construction on the Spani Outdoor Pool. Generations of families have learned to swim at this pool. Revitalizing this much-cherished facility will give a new wave of families a chance to make a splash.”
The Honourable Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs
“The renewal and expansion of Spani Pool is an important project that will bring new life into this much-loved community asset for the benefit of future generations. With final plans now approved, we can look forward to next year when people of all ages and abilities will be able to enjoy swimming in this transformed pool in a unique urban forest setting.”
Mayor Richard Stewart, City of Coquitlam
Stay Informed
Information on the Spani Pool Renewal Study and what we heard through community engagement is available at letstalkcoquitlam.ca/spani.
Coquitlam residents and businesses are also encouraged to follow the City of Coquitlam on social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) and download the CoquitlamConnect mobile app for up-to-date City information. Links are available at www.coquitlam.ca/connect.
Media contact
Ted Uhrich
A/Manager Recreation and Culture Facilities Planning
604-927-6710
tuhrich@coquitlam.ca