Everything you need to know

What’s the latest?

Since the referendum passed on October 15, 2022, the CSRD has launched a fundraising campaign and started the Detailed Design phase on the aquatic centre.

With initial costings this spring significantly over budget, construction of the facility will now occur in three phases, subject to funding. The goal for Phase 1 is to deliver a base facility that honours the community’s vision for year-round aquatics in Golden. This facility will be designed and built so it can renovated to incorporate additional features during Phases 2 and 3.

A phased approach

Following increased cost estimates in spring 2023, the CSRD has worked with HCMA Architecture + Design, project manager Make Projects Ltd, and members of the original Community Advisory Committee, to redesign a base facility (Phase 1) that can be achieved within the targeted timeline and budget set out in the 2022 referendum.

Phases 2 and 3 would involve renovating and extending the base facility to accommodate additional features desired by the community.

• Phase 1 | Base facility

  $36 million +/- 10%
  Targeting completion in 2026

• Phase 2 | Aquatic add-ons

  $5.4 million (estimate)
  Pending budget becoming available

• Phase 3 | Non-aquatic add-ons

  $2.6 million (estimate)
  Pending budget becoming available

Click here for full details of the three phases.

Financial Overview

In the October 2022 referendum, property owners from Golden and Electoral Area A voted YES to the borrowing of up to $18 million. This loan will help fund the construction of the indoor aquatic facility.

Current estimates for construction of the Phase 1 base facility are currently $36 million.

We will close the gap between the final total construction cost and the approved $18 million capital loan through:

• Federal, provincial, and local grants
• Sponsorships
• Public donations

The exact breakdown will vary depending on the grants, sponsorships and donations we receive. We honour the community’s commitment of $18 million and are doing everything possible to secure funding for the entire project.

How we got here

Referendum result

On October 15, 2022, residents of Golden and Electoral Area A voted in favour of borrowing $18 million towards the construction of an indoor aquatic centre in Golden. The results? 1,477 Yes votes to 573 No votes – an overwhelming show of support for this facility and its future significance within the community. The CSRD is now moving forward with a fundraising campaign to raise the additional funds required for construction.

Feasibility Study

Between 2018 and 2022, the CSRD carried out a feasibility study on a new aquatic centre in Golden.  It found there was widespread community support to replace the existing outdoor pool (owned and operated by the Town of Golden) with an indoor facility.

Extensive engagement with an advisory committee and the broader community identified a vision statement and guiding principles, as well as the preferred features of a future facility. The selected features balance affordability and the need for aquatic and non-aquatic design elements.

To explore, the feasibility study and other key documents head to the Document Centre.

Vision statement

The Golden Aquatic Centre will be homegrown. It will proudly reflect the unique character of its place and bring all regional residents together through inclusive recreational activities. It will be a year-round, vibrant, community hub that provides health and wellness opportunities for all.

Guiding principles

• Community focused

  A social hub of activity beyond aquatic use bringing local and regional residents together as one community.

• A unique landmark

  Born out of community input and passion representing the special character of its people and place.

• A place of wellness

  Supportive of the individual and the community health and wellness needs.

• Versatile

  Adaptable in the way that it meets the needs of residents both now and in the future.

• Realistic

  Rooted in grounded aspirations that achieve the best possible outcome.

• Inclusive

  Accessible and welcoming to all.

• Support local

  Prioritise the use of local materials and methods to encourage a sense of pride in the project and foster strong community relationships. *Updated 2023*

• Environmentally sustainable

  Seek to incorporate sustainable best practices, including zero-carbon building design certification. *Updated 2023*

Project team

Two committees are currently providing project support:

• The Fundraising Committee is formed of key community stakeholders and volunteers.
• The Steering Committee is comprised of CSRD and Town of Golden staff members, as well as construction manager Buttcon, architect HCMA, and project manager Make Projects. Together, this committee is managing the Detailed Design phase.

The CSRD wishes to thank all the volunteer members of the Advisory Committee and Working Group who provided invaluable assistance and support during the feasibility phase of the project.