City, Carleton University discuss new aquatic centre

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City of Ottawa staff have recommended the city enter into formal negotiations with Carleton University to develop a partnership that will lead to the construction of a world-class aquatic sports centre.

A report to the Finance and Corporate Services Committee recently revealed that city officials have been in discussions with Carleton for the past year.

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The two sides now have “sufficient synergy,” staff said, to enter into negotiations to jointly finance and build a 50-metre competitive pool and a 25-metre warmup pool, along with diving facilities and stands for spectators.

“Initial discussions indicate that the university and the city could achieve a mutually beneficial operating model through detailed negotiations that provides ample pool access time for municipal and university needs,” staff said.

The report recommends councillors authorize city officials to move forward with the negotiations and approve up to $150,000 to contribute to the cost of preliminary design and construction estimates.

Leaders from Ottawa’s swimming and diving communities have complained for years that the city is being excluded from major competitions because of its outdated aquatic facilities.

The 50-year-old Nepean Sportsplex no longer qualifies for many of those competitions, and top-flight athletes often have to travel to Gatineau, Toronto or Montreal to train.

“The need for a new, 50-metre pool is longstanding,” staff said, noting it has been the subject of study for the past five years.

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What’s more, the staff report said, there is a chronic shortage of available pool time to meet the demands of a growing population for swim lessons, certification programs and public swims.

In November 2021, the city issued a request for expressions of interest from potential partners in the development of a new aquatic centre within five years. It received seven responses and initial discussions were held with six of the proponents.

According to the staff report, only Carleton University fully met the city’s criteria for a potential partner.

“Carleton confirmed a significant financial contribution — not including the cost of the land — for the construction of a new facility, and demonstrated readiness to break ground within 24-months of finalizing an agreement,” staff reported.

What’s more, it said, Carleton has already launched its own design process to replace its existing 50-metre pool. The pool is reaching the end of its life cycle.

Last month, the executive committee of the university’s board of governors authorized its officials to enter into confidential, non-binding discussions with the city to jointly develop a new aquatic centre.

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The price tag for the aquatic centre was last estimated by the city at $54.6 million, up from $39 million when it was first examined in 2019.

Negotiators still have to hammer out many outstanding questions, including how the centre’s cost will be shared, and how the facility will be governed, managed and maintained.

The outcome of those discussions could also influence what the city decides to do with the Brewer Park swimming pool, which is also nearing the end of its lifespan.

The staff report on the aquatic centre goes to the city’s finance and corporate services committee on July 2.

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