Recreation Centre Renovations

Beaconsfield Recreation Centre: an upgrade for a community on the move

Dear residents,

50 years ago, Beaconsfield built a recreation centre that is now the beating heart of our sporting and social activities. This iconic facility, which has seen thousands of residents pass through its doors over the decades, deserves a second lease on life. That's why, after years of consultation and planning, it is being upgraded to make it a more welcoming, safe and sustainable space. 

Why is this renovation necessary? 

The current centre, built in the 1970s, no longer meets safety and comfort standards: the concrete pool basin needs to be rebuilt, the heating and ventilation systems are outdated, asbestos must be removed, and new fire safety systems are required, among other things. This upgrade will provide an improved environment for everyone, from children to the elderly, and will continue to serve as a shelter for our residents in the event of an emergency.

This project is part of our overall vision for a dynamic and resilient city, as is the Imagine Centennial project, a modern space that will bring the Library and Centennial Hall together in a single, revitalised place for everyone. More than half the cost of this project is covered by grants, minimising the financial impact on our community.

Sound management for sustainable projects

We invest sustainably and responsibly, in line with our financial capacity. Renovating the Recreation Centre will be about half the cost of building from scratch and is less disruptive as improvements can be phased in over time. Thanks to rigorous management since 2014, we have mitigated the effects of inflation while maintaining the quality of our services. By reducing budget growth to half the rate of inflation for 13 years, we have demonstrated our ability to be good stewards of public funds. This is the spirit in which we are undertaking the renovation of the Recreation Centre with limited financial impact, even though it is one of the City’s most important investments.

To achieve this, we have listened, consulted and worked with you to define the future of Beaconsfield. It is thanks to your support, the support of local organizations and the commitment of our municipal administration that these projects are coming to fruition. Thank you for your confidence and support in making Beaconsfield a better place to live, now and for future generations.

Georges Bourelle

Mayor

Results of the 2023 needs analysis:

• Seven out of ten residents believe that our facilities and equipment need to be improved.
• One in two people think that the infrastructure needs renovation.

Key findings identified

• Complete renovation of the Recreation Centre
• Major work required:
  • Pool: repair the concrete basin and upgrade the locker rooms
  • Gymnasium: enlarge the space and add air conditioning
  • Arena: complete renovation
  • Other rooms: adapt to offer more activities
• Improve accessibility for all

State of the facilities

• Centre built in 1974
• Signs of major wear and tear
• Facilities at the end of their useful life cycle
• The cost of inaction is high: service breakdowns have serious impacts on facility operations, including permanent closures.

User needs

• Adapting equipment and services to users' changing needs
• Family and inclusive locker room needed
• Facility to be adapted to accommodate day camps
• User needs have evolved over time, which is to be expected 50 years later.

Accessibility

• Limited access for people with reduced mobility
• Pool access by external ramp only
• Unsuitable stairs and bathrooms
• Universal accessibility is essential to allow everyone, including people with reduced mobility, to fully enjoy the facilities.

Building code compliance

• Meet Régie du bâtiment du Québec standards
• Make emergency exits compliant
• Add a sprinkler system
• Remove asbestos
• Bringing the building up to code is essential to ensure the safety of users and to provide a safer environment that meets current government requirements.

An improved Centre

• Improved safety
• Accessible for all
• Lobby redesigned for greater capacity
• Addition of an elevator
• Pool with an access ramp
• New multifunctional exercise room for up to 50 people
• Refurbishment of existing rooms (with improved accessibility)
• Enlarged locker rooms for the pool
• Addition of a new accessible and inclusive locker room
• Addition of windows throughout the Centre
• Addition of a mezzanine overlooking the pool
• Accessible seating area in the arena stands

Emergency centre

• Hosts residents during prolonged emergency situations
• Serves as a warming or cooling centre during power outages
• Requires facilities adapted to manage large numbers of people
• With the increase in incidents linked to climate change, our Recreation Centre plays a crucial role in emergency preparedness. It has become an essential meeting point for residents and must be both safe and accessible to all.

An arena where dreams take shape

The project is on track to meet its budget and schedule. The arena should welcome our users again in the summer of 2025. This modernized space will be a place where athletes, young and old, can once again dream!

Work on the arena began over the summer and is well under way. They include:

• Complete overhaul of the cooling system
• Refurbishment of the concrete slab
• Replacement of the rink boards
• Compliance with the latest safety standards

Total project cost: $5.5M

Why is the centre being renovated if it seems to be well used?

While the centre is popular, a survey conducted in 2023 revealed that 70% of respondents felt that the facilities and equipment needed improvements. The centre was originally built in 1974 and has experienced significant wear and tear over the years. Additionally, there are accessibility issues and outdated features that need to be addressed to meet the evolving needs of the community.

Why not build a new Centre?

• Constructing a new building would be significantly more expensive, estimated at twice the cost of the planned renovations.
• Available land does not meet the needs of a new project.
• Rebuilding on the current site would mean a major interruption in services for several years.

How will the renovated Recreation Centre support accessibility for all residents?

The renovation will include features such as a new elevator, accessible seating in the arena, ramps for pool access, and universally designed locker rooms, ensuring the Centre is usable by people of all mobility levels.

What new features can we expect in the renovated Centre?

The renovated Centre will include several new features, such as a universal accessible change room, a multi-functional exercise room, and a renovated pool with a ramp for easier access. Additionally, the centre will be more accessible for people with mobility issues, and there will be a new bistro area.

How will the upgraded Recreation Centre enhance community activities and engagement?

The renovations will expand space for sports, cultural events, and day camps, add a multipurpose exercise room, improve meeting spaces, and create a more welcoming environment, strengthening social bonds and fostering inclusion across the community.

What is the estimated renovation cost?

Renovation work is currently estimated at $35 million, plus applicable taxes.*

What measures are in place to ensure the project stays on budget and on schedule?

The city has implemented rigorous financial management practices, including phased construction and close oversight, to ensure the project adheres to its $35 million budget and three-year timeline.

What will be the impact on property taxes?

The impact on municipal taxes will be amortized over a period of 40 years.*

Will the Centre remain open during the renovations?

The Centre will remain open during the renovations, but some facilities, such as the pool, may be temporarily closed.

How long will the renovations take?

The work will be carried out in phases over approximately 3 years.

How does the renovation align with sustainable development goals?

The project incorporates sustainable building practices, including energy-efficient systems and materials, to ensure long-term environmental and financial responsibility while modernizing the Centre.

What role will the Recreation Centre play in emergency situations after the renovations?

The updated Centre will be equipped to serve as a critical emergency hub, offering shelter, heating, and cooling facilities during prolonged power outages or extreme weather events, ensuring the safety and comfort of residents.

* The estimated cost and amortization period are based on currently available information. These amounts may vary with changes in market prices, interest rates, or other economic factors, which could lead to future adjustments.