Winskill construction to begin this summer as Delta council OKs design

​​The Winskill Renewal Project achieved a “major milestone” last week as council approved the form, character and layout plans for the new recreation centre.

The updated plans, renderings and cost estimate presented to council on May 5 were informed by the results of the second and final phase of community engagement, which took place Feb. 27 to March 24 and included 17 in-person events and meetings, online feedback forms for the public and youth, and targeted outreach to key community groups.

In all, 649 residents participated, indicating strong support for the direction of the detailed design and suggesting refinements for the lobby and reception area (resulting in designers adding more comfortable and accessible seating), the exterior design (resulting in a softened, less “boxy” look and refinements to the covered areas at the entrance and along 56th Street) and the park plan (​resulting in enhanced accessibility and improving the “user experience” from the parking area to the building).

​“Council’s approval marks a major step forward in delivering a facility that reflects the needs and values of our community,” Mayor George Harvie said in a press release. “The new Winskill Aquatic and Fitness Centre will be a place for residents of all ages and abilities to connect, stay active and enjoy for generations. Thank you to everyone who contributed and to staff for their dedication in bringing this project to life.” 

The latest cost estimate, projected in the range of +20 or -15 per cent, has the project coming in within the approved $130-million budget, as increases in construction costs have been partially offset by savings achieved through more favourable baseball field construction pricing. The project budget contains $21 million in contingencies, including $2 million for tariff impacts.

Construction on the new facility will begin this summer and is expected to be complete by the end of 2027. Preparation work is currently underway, with realignment of the Winskill baseball diamonds expected to be complete this fall.

To maximize efficiencies, the city will also be upgrading a key 400-metre section of storm drainage pipe the runs west to east through the northern portion of the park at the same time as it builds the new aquatic centre.

“Upsizing the drainage pipe during the excavation of the new Winskill facility would result in cost and timeline efficiencies, considering its proximity to the proposed building footprint,” notes a staff report to council. “Completing the works now will also eliminate risk to the building in the future if there is pipe installation-related excavation near the footing of the new Winskill facility.”

That project’s estimated $1.6-million cost will be funded from the city’s existing engineering budget.

The full Phase 2 Community Engagement Report, detailed project renderings, architectural drawings and more can be viewed at letstalk.delta.ca/winskill.