City of Ottawa eyes new aquatic sports centre at Carleton University

The swimming pool at Carleton University. The City of Ottawa and Carleton University could team up to build a new aquatic facility at the university on Bronson Avenue. (Carleton University/website)

The City of Ottawa is looking to jump into the pool with Carleton University to build a new aquatic centre on campus with an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Council will vote Wednesday on a motion from Coun. Shawn Menard, seconded by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, to delegate authority to the city’s general manager of Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services to finalize and execute a memorandum of understanding with Carleton University for the development of a joint Aquatic Sports Centre.

In 2024, Council approved a plan for the city to enter into non-binding negotiations with the university for a partnership to fund, develop, manage and operate the aquatic centre.

The proposal presented two years ago called for the new centre to be built on the campus of Carleton University on Bronson Avenue, with a 50-metre 10-lane pool, diving facilities and spectator stands, and a 25-metre eight-lane pool to increase access to the general public.

In the motion, Menard says Carleton University has “demonstrated readiness to partner” with the city for the new aquatic centre, “through a significant financial contribution, provision of serviced land, and the ability to advance construction within an accelerated timeline.”

‘The proposed Joint Aquatic Sports Centre would represent a major city building investment supporting community recreation, high performance sport, economic development, and sport tourism,” Menard said in his motion, noting a 50-metre pool would help Ottawa Tourism attract national and international events.

Menard’s motion recommends Council direct staff to utilize the memorandum of understanding with Carleton University and “undertake the technical and financial due diligence” required to refine the “scope and costing” of the project and “identify and mitigate financial and operational risks.”

The motion also recommends council direct staff to pursue federal and provincial funding, as well as sponsorship and naming rights opportunities to offset the cost of the project.

Menard’s motion doesn’t provide any details on the proposed aquatic centre, but notes the Parks and Recreation Facility Master Plan identifies the need for a new 50 metre aquatic facility.

While council is being asked to direct staff to finalize a memorandum of understanding for an aquatic centre with Carleton University, Menard’s motion recommends council confirm the execution of the MOU would not commit the city to “construction, final capital funding, or binding agreements.” Menard says a future council would approve the project.

The proposed new recreation complex in Riverside South would include a six-lane, 24-metre swimming pool.

The Nepean Sportsplex has a 50-metre aquatic pool, but staff previously said it was “no longer an attractive or qualifying option for aquatic sport training and competitions.”

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