OTTAWA — Ottawa City Council has approved the city entering into non-binding negotiations with Carleton University to partner on a new aquatics centre.
The centre would feature a 50-metre competitive pool, a 25-metre warm-up and community pool, and the amenities to host aquatic special events, stated a release. It would enable the city to host competitive swimming, diving, water polo and synchronized swimming events, and to improve access to aquatic facilities and programs.
The new pool would be located on campus, close to Bronson Avenue, with access via public transit. The city and university will negotiate project scope, facility ownership, operations and management, as well as day-to-day maintenance and governance and financing models.
The staff report asserted the existing Nepean Sportsplex is no longer an attractive or qualifying option for aquatic sport training and competitions.
Following the issuance of a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEOI) seeking potential partners with an interest in developing a new aquatics centre, Carleton was deemed to have fully met the city’s RFEOI criteria. Staff reported that Carleton confirmed a significant financial contribution towards construction of a new facility and demonstrated readiness to break ground within 24 months of finalizing an agreement.
Staff was directed to report back to city council on the outcome of negotiations and next steps in the first half of next year.