NAC Upgrades
Nanaimo Aquatic Centre Upgrade Project
The Nanaimo Aquatic Centre (NAC) is the City’s busiest aquatic facility, welcoming about 1,500 visitors every day. Opened in 2001, the facility will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026. To keep the building operating safely, comfortably, and efficiently, the City is moving ahead with a major upgrade project.
This project includes three key components:
- A new water feature
- Replacement of essential HVAC equipment
- Renovations to the Guest Services area
Work will begin on-site in March 2026 and is expected to continue through the year, wrapping up in December 2026. There will be a facility closure between July 20 and October 4. Some passes will be extended. Click the Details tab below for more information.
HVAC Upgrade
A major part of this project involves replacing two large mechanical units responsible for heating, cooling, and controlling humidity in the pool area. These units have reached the end of their service life, and their condition is making it harder to maintain safe and comfortable conditions for both visitors and staff.
What this means for visitors
While most of the HVAC improvements won’t be visible, patrons should notice a difference in how the building feels. The air temperature and humidity around the pool will be easier to maintain, making it more comfortable for swimmers, spectators, and staff working on the pool deck.
Energy efficiency and climate impact
NAC is currently the City’s largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for about 32% of all natural gas used across City facilities. Pools typically use a lot of energy, but aging HVAC equipment has made NAC an especially high consumer.
Replacing this equipment will:
- Reduce the facility’s GHG emissions
- Lower energy consumption
- Help reduce long‑term operating costs
These upgrades also support the City’s broader asset management and climate‑action goals.
The Water Feature at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre
The fishing troller that served as the main water feature at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre was previously removed due to its age and condition. Since then, the City has been planning a replacement that is fully accessible, visually exciting, interactive, and—most importantly—fun for everyone.
The new feature will include a variety of splash and play elements, such as:
- Spray hoses
- A large tipping water bucket
- A small slide
- Interactive water‑play components designed for all abilities
This upgraded attraction is expected to make a big splash when it opens in fall 2026, offering a fresh, fun experience for kids of all ages to enjoy.
Guest Services at the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre
The new design is modern and efficient to allow staff to serve the patrons of the facility and to give the facility lobby a fresh new appearance.
Project Budget
The total project budget is $13.4 million, which includes $3.9 million in funding from the Provincial and Federal governments.
Gallery
- Progress
Work has been ongoing behind the scenes since March to remove obsolete equipment, complete preparations to receive new equipment, and pre-running new systems in parallel to the existing systems where possible so they are ready for connection.
The project is now in high gear as the shutdown gets underway to remove the old Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, and install a new one. This system is about the size of two semi-trailers and has taken tremendous planning to ensure the new system can get into the building and and properly connected. Removal of the old system by crane will start following the final disconnection on July 22. Due to heavy activity in the parking lot, public are asked to keep there distance to ensure safety.
Work at the guest services counter will get started with demolition of the existing space ready to receive new front desk and counter spaces.
- Documents
- Details
Full facility closure
NAC will be fully closed to the public and staff from:
- July 20 – October 4, 2026
The facility will reopen October 5, 2026.
Areas closed during full facility closure
During the full shutdown, all areas of the building will be closed.
The only exception is CBI Health which will be OPEN and provided with a designated entrance to ensure safety of staff and patrons of the clinic.
Alternative locations for swimming and work outs during closure
To maintain recreation services:
- Beban Pool & Weight Room will operate 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily.
- Westwood Lake summer operations will continue as usual.
- Kin Pool (operated by Nanaimo White Rapids Swim Club in the summer months)
Programs, lessons, staff, and service levels may be adjusted to support these locations.
Impact on passes and memberships
The following passes will be extended:
- 80+ Pass
- 1-Year Active Pass
- LEAP Pass
- Grade 5/6 Active Passes
Pass extension will be applied at the end of the NAC shutdown for the total number of days the facility was unavailable.
During shutdown, passes can be used at Beban, and doing so will not impact the extension.
Why the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre is undergoing construction
NAC is replacing its aging HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system to improve air quality, energy efficiency, and overall comfort for patrons and staff. While there is no HVAC to support the pool use, the City is taking the opportunity to install a new water feature where the fishing troller used to be, before being previously removed due to safety concerns. Additionally, a new guest services area will be built to ensure a welcoming environment for all patrons. These major activities are taking place in addition to the usual annual maintenance tasks, which this year include replacing pumps, and motors, regrouting and replacing some tile, rebuilding compressors, installing new diving boards, replacing lighting, cleaning filter tanks, replacing some gym equipment, replacing an electrical panel board, etc.
When construction begins:
Early project work began in March 2026 with minimal impact to services. There is a period of heavy activity from July 20 - October 4 when the facility will be closed (except CBI). Then construction will wrap up with commissioning and other background tasks into early 2027.
Noise and disruptions after we reopen
Once the facility reopens, noise and disruption will be minimal. Power outages may occur but will be scheduled and communicated ahead of time.
What we're improving during the closure
Alongside HVAC replacement and the annual maintenance work, the City will also be installing a new water feature where the fishing troller used to be.
- These upgrades aim to enhance the overall NAC experience once the facility reopens.
How our programs might shift during this time
We’ll share program schedules for alternate sites ahead of time. If needed, some programs or rentals may be temporarily moved to other City recreation facilities when space is available.
How residents and patrons will stay informed
Here's how you can keep up with what's happening with the NAC Upgrades:
Online updates
- Visit our project page anytime for the latest news and timelines at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/NACUpgrades.
On-site signage
- Watch for for reminders and updates posted throughout the facility.
Email updates
- If you're registered for a program, you'll receive email notifications with important details along the way.
Media advisories
- We'll share key announcements with local media to help keep the wider community informed.
What's coming next
Where to get more information
Questions can be directed to NAC.Upgrades@nanaimo.ca or by calling 250-756-5200.
Dedicated project page can be found at www.nanaimo.ca/goto/NACUpgrades.
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