City of Coquitlam - Draft Aquatic Services and Infrastructure Strategy

City of Coquitlam
Draft Aquatic Services and
Infrastructure Strategy
(2015-2040)
Submitted to: The City of Coquitlam,
BC
Submitted by: Professional
Environmental
Recreation
Consultants Ltd.
(PERC)
Submitted on: April 10, 2015
Suite 400, 505 – 8840 210th Street, Langley, BC V1M 2Y2
File #: 01-0620-20/PRC2/1 Doc #: 1951287.v3
Tel: 604.868.3604
www.perconline.com
Table of Contents
Executive Summary........................................................................................................................................ i
Recommended 2015 Aquatic Services and Infrastructure Strategy .......................................................... i
Implementation Process ........................................................................................................................... ii
Implementation Principles and Assumptions .......................................................................................... iv
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 1
A Framework for Planning Aquatic Services ................................................................................................. 2
Updated Information .................................................................................................................................... 6
Demographics ........................................................................................................................................... 6
Changes to the Aquatics Infrastructure in Coquitlam .............................................................................. 7
Aquatics Infrastructure in Neighbouring Municipalities ........................................................................... 8
Aquatics Behaviour Patterns in Coquitlam ............................................................................................... 9
Financing Aquatics Services .................................................................................................................... 10
Revised Aquatics Services and Infrastructure Strategy .............................................................................. 11
Implementation Process ............................................................................................................................. 12
Implementation Principles and Assumptions ......................................................................................... 15
Addendum A – Highlights from the 2012 Aquatic Services and Infrastructure Strategy ......................... A-1
Short Term Recommendations ............................................................................................................. A-2
Mid Term Recommendations ............................................................................................................... A-2
Long Term Recommendations .............................................................................................................. A-2
File #: 01-0620-20/PRC2/1 Doc #: 1951287.v3
Executive Summary
In 2012, the City of Coquitlam developed and adopted an Aquatic Services and Infrastructure Strategy
(“ASIS”) however, since that time, a number of key considerations have emerged that require an update
to the ASIS, including aquatic service investments in adjoining municipalities and the need to explore
outdoor aquatic services in greater depth. The City retained Professional Environmental Recreation
Consultants Ltd. (PERC), the authors of the original strategy, to update the ASIS in 2015 and reflect those
changes along with a revised implementation strategy considering the following factors:
•
•
•
•
•
Changes to the City’s projected demographics and patterns of aquatic use;
Changes to what surrounding communities might be doing with respect to provision of aquatic
services and infrastructure;
Proposals for new indoor pool partnerships within the City;
The direction set in the City’s draft Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan;
Additional input from City Council.
The intent is to refer this draft updated strategy to discussions about the City’s draft Parks, Recreation
and Culture (“PRC”) Master Plan with the intent of dealing with aquatic services and infrastructure
within the broader picture of all parks, recreation and cultural services.
The consultants have completed the update and present this draft new ASIS for consideration and
referral to the PRC Master Plan. The strategy is summarized below.
Recommended 2015 Aquatic Services and Infrastructure Strategy
It is recommended that the City:
•
Reaffirm the three levels of service model for aquatic service provision, with an indoor and
outdoor pool serving City/Sub-Regional level, indoor pools serving the Community level,
Enhanced spray decks serving the City/Sub-Regional and Community levels and spray decks
serving Neighbourhoods with proportions of young children.
•
Plan for the provision of aquatic capacity of about 6.6 swims per capita indoors and .6 swims per
capita outdoors.
•
Plan for the provision of one community level enhanced spray deck in the Southwest (Blue
Mountain Park) and Northeast (Partington Village Centre) and two to serve city-wide needs
(Town Centre Park and Spani Pool).
•
Build spray decks in neighbourhood parks where they are needed (those neighbourhoods with a
significant portion of young children) and phase out the one remaining wading pool at Blue
Mountain after the enhanced spray deck is completed.
i|Page
File #: 01-0620-20/PRC2/1 Doc #: 1951287.v3
•
Add/retrofit City/Sub-Regional level indoor (CCAC and PSLC) and outdoor pools (Spani Pool) to
enhance destination facilities and ensure that they continue to draw users from across
Coquitlam and beyond at close to full capacity (i.e. 90% capacity).
•
Increase indoor aquatic capacity in the Southwest community within the next decade through a
partnership with the Y and in the northeast by providing a new indoor community level pool at
the end of the next decade (by 2030).
•
Monitor community level outdoor pool infrastructure over the next decade and shift some uses
of Eagle Ridge pool to City/Regional level outdoor pool at Spani, and to CCAC to provide a
community level outdoor pool experience.
•
Only after CCAC outdoor aquatic experience is built, consider decommissioning the Eagle Ridge
outdoor pool when it is beyond its functional lifespan. In the meantime, invest only enough to
keep it functional.
Figure A summarizes the service levels embodied in the revised strategy.
Figure A
Summary of Revised Strategy
Type of Aquatic
Amenity
Geographic Levels of Provision
City-Wide Community Neighbourhood
Indoor Pools
X
Outdoor Pools
X
Wading Pools
X
X
Enhanced Spray
Decks
Spray Decks
X
X
X
X
Service Level
Aquatic Services
Delivered
6.6 swims per
capita
.6 swims per
capita
Provided by
enhanced Spray
Deck
1/community
also serves
neighbourhood
All nine Categories of
Service
All but rehab/therapy
1/neighbourhood
with high
proportion of
young children
None
Respite from summer
heat, water
orientation for
toddlers and fun
Respite from summer
heat, water
orientation for
toddlers and fun
Implementation Process
The recommended implementation process is guided by the population growth in each community, use
per capita of the available indoor and outdoor pools and use in relation to capacity and needed lifecycle
infrastructure improvements. Figure B employs the per capita service level established in the 2012 ASIS
as well as population projections to estimate future use in relation to capacity at the rate of 6.6 swims
per capita. Planning for increased capacity should occur when use of all indoor pools approaches 90% of
ii | P a g e
File #: 01-0620-20/PRC2/1 Doc #: 1951287.v3
their capacity and new capacity should be avoided when use falls below 80% of capacity. The figure also
highlights the impact of adding capacity with different facilities.
Figure B
Projected Use in Relation to Capacity for Indoor Pools
Year
2016
2021
2026
2031
2036
2041
Projected
Population
161,200
180,228
197,200
214,407
219,500
225,538
Use
Projected
at 6.6
Swims
Base
Current
Capacity
(2015)
1,063,920
1,189,505
1,301,520
1,415,086
1,448,700
1,488,551
1,078,000
1,078,000
1,078,000
1,078,000
1,078,000
1,078,000
Add
YMCA
Pool
Add New
PoCo
Pool
1
200,000
200,000
200,000
200,000
200,000
Add
Northeast
Pool
2
100,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
400,000
400,000
400,000
Equals
Total
Capacity
1,078,000
1,378,000
1,378,000
1,778,000
1,778,000
1,778,000
Use in
Relation
to
Capacity
99%
86%
94%
80%
81%
84%
The capacity for outdoor pools was estimated using the same methodology as the indoor pools applying
the service level of .6 swims per capita. The Eagle Ridge outdoor pool life expectancy has been
extended by 10 to 15 years due to approved 2015 capital improvements. Figure C shows the potential
use in relation to capacity as the population grows and the impact of adding an outdoor pool experience
at CCAC and Spani as well as the removal of the Eagle Ridge outdoor pool. The removal of the Eagle
Ridge Pool would create a deficit to the service level of .6 swims per capita for outdoor pools and
consistent with the 2012 strategy adding outdoor pool capacity prior to removing the pool is
recommended.
Figure C
Projected Outdoor Pool Use in Relation to Capacity
Year
Projected
Population
Use
Projected
at .6
Swims
Base
Current
Capacity
(2015)
2016
2021
2026
2031
2036
2041
161,200
180,228
197,200
214,407
219,500
225,538
96,720
108,137
118,320
128,644
131,700
135,323
110,658
110,658
110,658
110,658
110,658
110,658
Add
Outdoor
Leisure
Pool
Spani
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
Decommission
Eagle Ridge
-50,000
-50,000
-50,000
Add
Leisure
Pool to
CCAC
50,000
50,000
50,000
Equals
Total
Capacity
110,658
110,658
160,658
160,658
160,658
160,658
Use in
Relation
to
Capacity
87%
98%
74%
80%
82%
84%
1
The YMCA aquatic facility is expected to add 400,000 swims total but 200,000 with 50% from Coquitlam residents
and the remaining proportion from neighbouring municipalities.
2
The new Port Coquitlam aquatic facility is expected to add 400,000 swims total with 25% from Coquitlam
residents.
iii | P a g e
File #: 01-0620-20/PRC2/1 Doc #: 1951287.v3
Whenever, phasing out a community level outdoor pool or wading pool always provide a higher quality
replacement capacity first, then decommission the older facilities once they are made redundant. In
addition, clustering aquatic services at the city-wide and community level will enhance services while at
the same time improving operational efficiencies.
Considering these principles the recommended priority is to build the first enhanced spray deck and
increase indoor pool capacity in the Southwest community. Figure D summarizes the recommended
sequence, timing and impact.
Figure D
Aquatic Infrastructure Implementation
City Capital Contributions Required
2015-2019 2020-2025 2026-2040
Facility
YMCA
$15M
Blue Mountain Park
1
$2M
Blue Mountain Park
Spani Outdoor Pool
Town Centre
$15M
$2M
CCAC Outdoor Pool
$15M
Eagle Ridge Pool
Fraser Mills
Development
Northeast Park
$2M
Northeast Community
Centre
Neighbourhood level
spray decks
Total
1
$30M
$750k
$750k
$750k
(Rochester,
Glen Park)
(1 NE Park,
Cottonwood)
(1 NE Park,
1 SW Park)
$17.8
$17.8
$47.8
Comments
Construction of the YMCA needs to proceed
as soon as possible
Add Enhanced Spray Deck in the next five
years
Close Blue Mountain Wading Pool once the
enhanced spray deck is in place
Add Leisure Pool and Enhanced Spray Deck
Add Enhanced Spray Deck at Town Centre
Park or CCAC
Outdoor pool experience to replace Eagle
Ridge
Close once replacement at CCAC Outdoor
Pool is open
Facilitate a self contained aquatic facility or
additional contributions to a community level
indoor pool for southwest community
Build an Enhanced Spray Deck prior to the
construction of an indoor pool on the same
site
Build an indoor aquatic facility similar in size
to Poirier as part of a Northeast recreation
centre.
Add neighbourhood spray decks as suitable
neighbourhood parks are developed or
redeveloped.
Although the City is expected to invest $25 million into the YMCA Community Centre, approximately
$15M would pay for half of the indoor pool portion of the facility.
Implementation Principles and Assumptions
•
•
Planning for indoor aquatic capacity increases should be monitored as population growth
continues so that additional capacity could be added when indoor pools approach 90% of their
capacity
Assumed investments by adjacent municipalities need to be monitored to ensure appropriate
service levels in aquatics are maintained
iv | P a g e
File #: 01-0620-20/PRC2/1 Doc #: 1951287.v3
•
•
The cost to build spray decks is based on a variety of variables, not the least being topography,
and design and the cost estimate is a placeholder. It is assumed that the total $4.5 million
would provide for 6 neighbourhood level spray decks.
All cost estimates are in 2015 dollars.
v|Page
File #: 01-0620-20/PRC2/1 Doc #: 1951287.v3
Introduction
The City of Coquitlam endorsed an Aquatics Services and Infrastructure Strategy (“ASIS”) in 2012
(summarized in Addendum A). This strategy laid out aquatic service levels that may be applied to
Coquitlam’s services and facilities and translated them into a set of recommendations for service
provision over the short, medium and long term future. However, since then, a number of key
considerations have emerged that require an update to the ASIS, including aquatic service investments
in adjoining municipalities and the need to explore outdoor aquatic services in greater depth. The City
retained Professional Environmental Recreation Consultants Ltd. (PERC), the authors of the original
strategy, to update ASIS in 2015 to reflect those changes and provide a revised set of service levels along
with an implementation strategy.
The intent of this project is to include the revised service levels in the City’s final Parks, Recreation and
Culture Master Plan. Therefore the recommendations from this document would be referred to public
consultation along with the Master Plan Implementation Strategy and discussed along with all other
issues included in that process.
In the course of this update the consultants followed a workplan which is summarized in Figure One.
Figure One
Summary of Methodology for the Updated Strategy
Activity
Initial Meeting with the City Staff
Contact with Neighbouring
Municipalities
Review of Updated Aquatics
Behavioural Data 2012-2014
Review of the Draft Recreation, Parks
and Cultural Master Plan
Review of the Aquatics Services
Budgets 2012-2014
Review of Changes to Aquatics
Infrastructure Since 2012
Facilitate Council Workshop
Develop Draft Report
Outcome
Confirmation of project methodology and deliverables
Understanding of any recent plans for new pools in Port
Moody, Port Coquitlam and Burnaby
Updating the types and amounts of use of existing aquatics
amenities
An understanding of the draft direction for aquatic services
indicated in the draft Master Plan
Updating operating budget data as it relates to the aquatics
services provided, to render net public subsidy per swim
An understanding of projects proposed by the YMCA and
the developers of Fraser Mills, and planned investments at
Blue Mountain
Clarity on required aquatic service levels in Coquitlam
Refer draft report the Parks, Recreation and Culture Master
Plan process
The consultants are now pleased to present herein a revised draft strategy which, along with other draft
service strategies, will be referred to a public consultation process associated with discussion about the
Draft Parks, Recreation and Culture Master Plan.
Professional Environmental Recreation Consultants Ltd. (PERC)
File #: 01-0620-20/PRC2/1 Doc #: 1951287.v3
Draft – Not for Distribution
1|P a g e
A Framework for Planning Aquatic Services
The consultants suggest that the revised strategy will fit within a framework for aquatic service provision
which includes nine categories of aquatic service, three types of aquatic facilities, three modes of
operation of those facilities, and three geographic levels of provision of aquatic services.
The nine categories of aquatic service are described as follows:
•
Fun (i.e. recreational swimming);
•
Skill development (i.e. primarily learn to swim lessons, but also other types of skill development
programs);
•
Fitness swimming (i.e. lane swimming or organized water based fitness classes);
•
Special events (i.e. large events like swim meets, or smaller events like birthday parties);
•
Sport training (e.g. Hyack Swim Club training sessions);
•
Rehabilitation and therapy (in a water based exercise environment);
•
Leadership training (e.g. Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, NLS courses);
•
Respite from summer heat (using water to “cool off” in the summer heat);
•
Water orientation for toddlers (becoming somewhat comfortable in a safe water-based
environment);
The three modes of aquatic facility operation are described as follows:
•
Drop in use, where users decide, on a case-by-case basis, to access a pool;
•
Program use, where users pre-commit to a series of uses through a registration process;
•
Rental use; where a group rents space and controls the users and uses.
While there are exceptions to the categories noted in Figure Two, the shaded boxes represent the
primary mode(s) of operation for each of the nine categories of aquatic service.
Professional Environmental Recreation Consultants Ltd. (PERC)
File #: 01-0620-20/PRC2/1 Doc #: 1951287.v3
Draft – Not for Distribution
2|P a g e
Figure Two
Accommodating Categories of Aquatic Service within Three Modes of Operation
Three Modes of Operation
Nine Categories of Aquatic Service
Drop-In
Program
Rental
Recreational Swimming (fun)
Skill Development (swim lessons)
Fitness Swimming
Sport Training
Special events
Therapy and Rehabilitation
Leadership Training
Respite from Summer Heat
Water Orientation for Toddlers
The four types of aquatic infrastructure as follows:
•
Indoor Pools – significant structures with one or more tanks in an indoor environment that serve
a broad range of aquatic services in a staffed and controlled environment in all three modes of
operation;
•
Outdoor Pools – like an indoor pool but in an outdoor environment;
•
Wading Pools – usually a shallow water outdoor modest amenity with water depth 15 cm to 60
cm, requiring staff and control under the BC Pool Regulations;
•
Spray Decks – which have little or no standing water, in an outdoor environment, which does
not require a Pool Operating Certificate under the BC Pool Regulations, and therefore need not
be staffed, and can be remotely controlled. Spray Decks can be quite modest (i.e. a basic one)
or quite elaborate and include an additional “water feature”(what is heretofore referred to as
an Enhanced Spray Deck)
Professional Environmental Recreation Consultants Ltd. (PERC)
File #: 01-0620-20/PRC2/1 Doc #: 1951287.v3
Draft – Not for Distribution
3|P a g e
The nine categories of aquatic service will be provided by the four types of aquatic facilities as
summarized in Figure Three.
Figure Three
Categories of Aquatic Services per Pool Type
Categories of Aquatic Service
Indoor Aquatic
Centres
Outdoor
Pools
Wading
Pools
Spray
Decks
Recreational Swimming (fun)
Skill Development
Fitness Swimming
Sport Training
Special Events
Therapy and Rehabilitation
Leadership Training
Respite from Summer Heat
Water Orientation for Toddlers
Professional Environmental Recreation Consultants Ltd. (PERC)
File #: 01-0620-20/PRC2/1 Doc #: 1951287.v3
Draft – Not for Distribution
4|P a g e
An example of an enhanced Spray Deck in Confederation Park in Burnaby, BC
The three geographic levels of aquatic service provision as follows:
•
City-wide/sub-regional level of provision, where a single, more
specialized service centre in the City draws users from
throughout the City and beyond;
•
Community level of provision, much closer to each residence,
where a service centre draws users primarily from its own
community of 30,000 to 80,000 residents;
•
Neighbourhood level of provision, which is closest to each
residence, where each service centre draws users primarily
from its immediate neighbourhood of 5000 to 8000 residents.
An example of a Spray Deck
in Cumberland Park in
Nashville Tennessee
Professional Environmental Recreation Consultants Ltd. (PERC)
File #: 01-0620-20/PRC2/1 Doc #: 1951287.v3
Draft – Not for Distribution
5|P a g e
While there are exceptions to the categories noted in Figure Four, the shaded boxes represent the
primary geographic levels of service at which each of the nine categories are delivered.
Figure Four
Categories of Aquatic Services by Geographic Level of Provision
Categories of Aquatic Service
City-wide Sub-regional Community Neighbourhood
Recreational Swimming (fun)
Skill Development
Fitness Swimming
Sport Training
Special Events
Therapy and Rehabilitation
Leadership Training
Respite from Summer Heat
Water Orientation for Toddlers
The above described framework for planning aquatic services and infrastructure represent a slight
refinement and update of the framework used in 2012.
Updated Information
Before proposing any adjustments to the current aquatic service provision levels, the consultants have
summarized below the changes that have occurred over the past three years which indicate that some
change is appropriate.
Demographics
The Coquitlam area planning population projections established the populations of the four
communities Southwest, City Central, Northwest and Northeast for the census year 2006 and projected
the growth of these populations to the year 2041. This established the planning focus for the four
communities in the aquatic strategy. The 2012 aquatic strategy also used the census 2011 population of
126,450, to calculate the swims per capita and to set the aquatic service levels.
Since the 2012 aquatic services strategy report, Coquitlam’s population has grown from 126,450 in 2011
to 141,228 in 2014 according to the BC Stats estimates. When BC Stats released its population
estimates for 2014 it noted Coquitlam grew by 2.3% from July 2013 to July 2014. This growth is
consistent with the 2011 population projections with a growth of 39,096 projected to 2021. Using the
area planning projections as a base, the consultants assumed the growth would be consistent and
projected the population at 5 year increments in order to estimate the need for additional aquatic
capacity to maintain the aquatic service levels of 6.6 swims per capita for indoor aquatic facilities and .6
swims per capita for outdoor pools.
Figure Five is the Summary of Growth Projections 2014 to 2041.
Professional Environmental Recreation Consultants Ltd. (PERC)
File #: 01-0620-20/PRC2/1 Doc #: 1951287.v3
Draft – Not for Distribution
6|P a g e
Figure Five
Summary of Growth Projections 2015-2041
2014
Additional
Area Plan Population Population
Estimate 2014-2021
City Centre
Total
Population
2021
Population
Added
(20212031)
Total
Population
2031
Population
Added
(20312041)
Total
Population
2041
30,988
11,274
42,264
14,212
56,476
3,799
60,275
Northeast
9,142
11,715
20,857
5,969
26,826
2,658
29,484
Northwest
20,102
1,109
21,212
444
21,656
409
22,065
Southwest
80,900
14,995
95,895
13,554
109,449
4,264
113,714
141,132
39,093
180,228
34,179
214,407
11,131
225,538
Total
Changes to the Aquatics Infrastructure in Coquitlam
Coquitlam has applied the aquatic strategic plan through improved the aquatic infrastructure since 2012
implementing several projects. Specifically, two spray decks were built at Burns and Mackin Parks. These
are both neighbourhood parks having a catchment area similar to an elementary school. Also, a significant
upgrade to City Centre Aquatic Centre was completed in 2014, connecting to the city energy system,
upgrading the spray features and physical appearance
In 2015, Funds have been approved for the Blue Mountain Wading Pool and Spray Deck to bring them into
compliance with the BC Swimming Pool Regulations. These temporary improvements are intended to
extend the life of these facilities pending the revised aquatic strategic. This year improvements to both the
outdoor pool facilities (Eagle Ridge and Spani) will be implemented to extend their functional lives for
another 15 to 20 years.
The existing aquatic infrastructure has been mapped to illustrate the primary catchment areas in Figure Six.
Example of a Spray Deck at Diana Memorial Fountain in
London, England
Professional Environmental Recreation Consultants Ltd. (PERC)
File #: 01-0620-20/PRC2/1 Doc #: 1951287.v3
Draft – Not for Distribution
7|P a g e
Figure Six
Map of Aquatic Infrastructure with Primary Catchment Areas
Aquatics Infrastructure in Neighbouring Municipalities
Aquatic facility users are mobile and therefore travel to neighbouring municipalities aquatic facilities.
This is especially the case where new facilities are opened. The consultants contacted Burnaby, Port
Moody, Port Coquitlam and New Westminster to enquire about their plans for new and renovated
aquatic facilities in the next several decades that may impact Coquitlam residents. The following
summarizes the results.
• Burnaby- the partnership with the “Y” in Burquitlam will serve both Coquitlam and Burnaby with
added aquatic capacity of about 200,000 swims for Coquitlam. Burnaby is also planning on
replacing the CG Brown aquatic centre, which will not likely attract significant levels of use from
Coquitlam residents. However, it has been discussing improvements to the Cameron
Community Centre on the Burnaby Coquitlam border. If an aquatic component is included in the
renovations to the Cameron Centre, it may add capacity due to the proximity and should be
considered in future planning for the South West community.
• Port Coquitlam – currently is in the planning phase for a recreation centre including an aquatic
facility in its city centre area. A new centre would add capacity for PoCo residents and may free
Professional Environmental Recreation Consultants Ltd. (PERC)
File #: 01-0620-20/PRC2/1 Doc #: 1951287.v3
Draft – Not for Distribution
8|P a g e
•
•
•
up 100,000 swims per year at Hyde Creek for use by Coquitlam residents in its emerging
northwest community.
Port Moody – does not have plans for an indoor aquatic centre and will continue to operate
their outdoor pools.
New Westminster – there are discussions in that city about retrofitting or replacing the Canada
Games pool. However the scope and timing has not been determined.
Surrey – the Guildford Aquatic Centre will open March 28, 2015. While this is across the Port
Mann Bridge it may have some initial impact on Coquitlam, especially in sport training and
special events.
Aquatics Behaviour Patterns in Coquitlam
The consultants updated the number of visits for each aquatic centre and outdoor pools for 2014. The
use has increased from 2011 to 2014 by approximately 100,000 swims for indoor pools reflecting the
population growth of 15,000 people and maintaining a per capita use of about 6.6 swims.
The use of the outdoor pools experienced a decline of 5,000 swims in 2014 over 2011 as opposed to a
9,000 swim increase if the new residents used the outdoor pools at the level of .6 swims per capita. The
service level provides a basis of assessment for determining when additional capacity should occur and
monitoring the use is important in this planning function. Figure Seven shows the 2014 swims per
capita for the two indoor facilities.
Figure Seven
2014 Indoor Swims Per Capita
Pool
CCAC
Poirier Sport
and Leisure
Total Indoor
Swims in
2014
Total
Capacity
Surplus
Capacity
554,905
689,325
134,420
400,963
389,160
-11,803
Proportion of
Capacity
Utilized in 2014
80%
Swims
Per
Capita
BC Stats
Population
2014
3.93
141,132
2.84
141,132
6.77
141,132
103%
955,868
1,078,485
122,617
89%
As Figure Seven shows, the swim rates have been maintained
at quite a high level; slightly higher than the service level goal
set in 2012, but within the margin of error of measurement of
uses.
Figure Eight shows the current use of the two outdoor pools.
Example of an
Enhanced
Spray Deck at
Jameson
Square in
Portland,
Oregon
Professional Environmental Recreation Consultants Ltd. (PERC)
File #: 01-0620-20/PRC2/1 Doc #: 1951287.v3
Draft – Not for Distribution
9|P a g e
Figure Eight
2014 Swims Per Capita at Outdoor Pools
Pool
Eagle Ridge
Spani
Total Outdoor
2014
34,376
44,985
79,361
Capacity
55,329
55,329
110,658
2014
% Use in
Relation to
Capacity
Swims Per
Capita
20,953
62%
0.24
141,132
10,344
81%
0.32
141,132
31,297
72%
0.56
141,132
Surplus
Capacity
BC Stats
Population
2014
As Figure Eight shows, the service level for outdoor swimming has dropped to a level slightly below the
service level goal set in 2012. However, use is within the margin of error of measurement of this level.
Financing Aquatics Services
An aquatic facility is most effectively operated at about 90% of its capacity for use. It is at this level that
the facility is most economically operated while the customer satisfaction remains high. When the use
in relation to capacity exceeds this level satisfaction and attendance tend to drop and the service level is
difficult to maintain. Conversely, adding capacity too quickly will reduce the use in relation to capacity
of the existing facilities and their operations will not be as effective.
Aquatic users are mobile and will travel to the facility of their choice consequently projecting the use in
relation to capacity using a service level of swims per capita is calculated on a municipal basis.
One of the key measures of an aquatic facility performance is the net public subsidy per swim. This is
developed by subtracting the operating costs from the revenues and dividing by the net subsidy by the
number of swims. The PSLC and CCAC both have significant fitness centres, which generate revenue and
expenses. Therefore, the fitness costs and revenues were removed for these centres to determine the
aquatic statistics. The outdoor pools show direct costs for operation. While it may seem
counterintuitive, the cost per swim is typically higher for an outdoor pool than an indoor pool. This is
due to the impact of weather on use and the costs of opening and closing the outdoor pools. While the
City may still prioritize outdoor aquatic services, in particular outdoor pools, due to the unique services
these provide to the community, and understanding of the increased costs of these services is
important. In addition, the closer to capacity that a pool operates, the lower the cost per swim as is
evident when comparing PSLC to CCAC. Figure Nine shows the net cost per swim per facility and for the
two types of facilities indoor and outdoor pools.
Professional Environmental Recreation Consultants Ltd. (PERC)
File #: 01-0620-20/PRC2/1 Doc #: 1951287.v3
Draft – Not for Distribution
10 | P a g e
Figure Nine
Net Cost per Swim
Pool
Spani
Eagle Ridge
Total Outdoor
CCAC
PSLC Chimo
Total Indoor
Revenue
Operating
Expense
Recovery
Rate
Net Subsidy
2014
Attendance
Net Subsidy
per Swim
$87,000
$80,000
$167,000
$264,000
$240,000
$504,000
33%
33%
33%
$177,000
$160,000
$337,000
44,985
34,376
79,361
$3.93
$4.65
$4.25
$1,700,000
$1,388,300
$3,088,300
$3,100,000
$1,820,000
$4,920,000
55%
76%
63%
$1,400,000
$431,700
$1,831,700
554,905
400,963
955,868
$2.52
$1.08
$1.92
As Figure Nine shows, in Coquitlam, like in most communities, the net public subsidy per swim in the
outdoors is more than twice the subsidy realized in the indoor pools. Obviously, the efficiency of indoor
pools to deliver swims is much better than outdoor pools. That said, it is also acknowledged that
outdoor aquatics offers a unique service and as such communities may accept the higher subsidy costs
to retain and enhance their outdoor pools, should these be highly valued and desirable by the
community.
Revised Aquatics Services and Infrastructure Strategy
In 2012, the consultants prepared, and council endorsed, a long-term strategy for the provision of
aquatic services and infrastructure. The new information suggests the following changes to that
strategy:
•
Adopt two levels of spray decks; basic and enhanced instead of just a basic spray deck;
•
Add enhanced spray deck to both the City/Sub-regional and the community level of service;
•
Adjust the level of investment to coordinate better with the planned investments in aquatic
services in neighbouring municipalities.
Incorporating the updated information, the following is a summary of the revised strategies.
•
Reaffirm the three levels of service model for aquatic service provision, with an indoor and
outdoor pool serving City/Sub-Regional level, indoor pools serving the Community level,
Enhanced spray decks serving the City/Sub-Regional and Community levels and spray decks
serving Neighbourhoods with proportions of young children.
•
Plan for the provision of aquatic capacity of about 6.6 swims per capita indoors and .6 swims per
capita outdoors.
•
Plan for the provision of one community level enhanced spray deck in the Southwest (Blue
Mountain Park) and Northeast (Partington Village Centre) and two to serve city-wide needs
(Town Centre Park and Spani Pool).
Professional Environmental Recreation Consultants Ltd. (PERC)
File #: 01-0620-20/PRC2/1 Doc #: 1951287.v3
Draft – Not for Distribution
11 | P a g e
•
Build spray decks in neighbourhood parks where they are needed (those neighbourhoods with a
significant portion of young children) and phase out the one remaining wading pool at Blue
Mountain after the enhanced spray deck is completed.
•
Add/retrofit City/Sub-Regional level indoor (CCAC and PSLC) and outdoor pools (Spani Pool) to
enhance destination facilities and ensure that they continue to draw users from across
Coquitlam and beyond at close to full capacity (i.e. 90% capacity).
•
Increase indoor aquatic capacity in the Southwest community within the next decade through a
partnership with the Y and in the northeast by providing a new indoor community level pool at
the end of the next decade (by 2030).
•
Monitor community level outdoor pool infrastructure over the next decade and shift some uses
of Eagle Ridge pool to City/Regional level outdoor pool at Spani, and to CCAC to provide a
community level outdoor pool experience.
•
Only after CCAC outdoor aquatic experience is built, consider decommissioning the Eagle Ridge
outdoor pool when it is beyond its functional lifespan. In the meantime, invest only enough to
keep it functional.
Figure Ten summarizes the service levels embodied in the revised strategy.
Figure Ten
Summary of Revised Strategy
Type of Aquatic
Amenity
Geographic Levels of Provision
City-Wide Community Neighbourhood
Indoor Pools
X
Outdoor Pools
X
Wading Pools
X
X
Enhanced Spray
Decks
Spray Decks
X
X
X
X
Service Level
Aquatic Services
Delivered
6.6 swims per
capita
.6 swims per
capita
Provided by
enhanced Spray
Deck
1/community
also serves
neighbourhood
All nine Categories of
Service
All but rehab/therapy
1/neighbourhood
with high
proportion of
young children
None
Respite from summer
heat, water
orientation for
toddlers and fun
Respite from summer
heat, water
orientation for
toddlers and fun
Implementation Process
The recommended implementation process is guided by the population growth in each community, use
per capita use of the available indoor and outdoor pools and use in relation to capacity and needed
lifecycle infrastructure improvements. Figure Eleven employs the per capita service level and
Professional Environmental Recreation Consultants Ltd. (PERC)
File #: 01-0620-20/PRC2/1 Doc #: 1951287.v3
Draft – Not for Distribution
12 | P a g e
population projections to estimate future use in relation to capacity. Planning for increased capacity
should occur when use of all indoor pools approaches 90% of their capacity and new capacity should be
avoided when use falls below 80% of capacity.
Figure Eleven highlights the correlation between the population and the projected number of visits
using the service level of 6.6 swims per capita for indoor aquatic facilities. The figure also highlights the
impact of adding capacity with different facilities.
Figure Eleven
Projected Use in Relation to Capacity for Indoor Pools
Year
2016
2021
2026
2031
2036
2041
Projected
Population
161,200
180,228
197,200
214,407
219,500
225,538
Use
Projected
at 6.6
Swims
Base
Current
Capacity
(2015)
1,063,920
1,189,505
1,301,520
1,415,086
1,448,700
1,488,551
1,078,000
1,078,000
1,078,000
1,078,000
1,078,000
1,078,000
Add
YMCA
Pool
Add New
PoCo
Pool
3
200,000
200,000
200,000
200,000
200,000
Add
Northeast
Pool
4
100,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
400,000
400,000
400,000
Equals
Total
Capacity
1,078,000
1,378,000
1,378,000
1,778,000
1,778,000
1,778,000
Use in
Relation
to
Capacity
99%
86%
94%
80%
81%
84%
As Figure Eleven shows, additional indoor pool capacity is needed as soon as possible so the YMCA
partnership needs to proceed as soon as possible. Also, if the new PoCo town centre pool is not in place
before 2020, it will not free up the 100,000 swims at Hyde Creek Park pool for use by northeast
Coquitlam residents, and the northeast pool will need to be advanced by about five years. This also
assumes that Port Coquitlam continues to invest and maintain the Hyde Creek Park pool.
The capacity for outdoor pools was estimated using the same methodology as the indoor pools applying
the level of .6 swims per capita. The Eagle Ridge outdoor pool life expectancy has been extended by 10
to 15 years due to approved 2015 capital improvements.
Figure Twelve shows the potential use in relation to capacity as the population grows and the impact of
adding an outdoor pool experience at CCAC and Spani as well as the removal of the Eagle Ridge outdoor
pool. The removal of the Eagle Ridge Pool would create a deficit to the service level of .6 swims per
capita for outdoor pools and consistent with the 2012 strategy adding outdoor pool capacity prior to
removing the pool is recommended.
3
The YMCA aquatic facility is expected to add 400,000 swims total but 200,000 with 50% from Coquitlam residents
and the remaining proportion from neighbouring municipalities.
4
The new Port Coquitlam aquatic facility is expected to add 400,000 swims total with 25% from Coquitlam
residents.
Professional Environmental Recreation Consultants Ltd. (PERC)
File #: 01-0620-20/PRC2/1 Doc #: 1951287.v3
Draft – Not for Distribution
13 | P a g e
Figure Twelve
Projected Outdoor Pool Use in Relation to Capacity
Year
Projected
Population
Use
Projected
at .6
Swims
Base
Current
Capacity
(2015)
2016
2021
2026
2031
2036
2041
161,200
180,228
197,200
214,407
219,500
225,538
96,720
108,137
118,320
128,644
131,700
135,323
110,658
110,658
110,658
110,658
110,658
110,658
Add
Outdoor
Leisure
Pool
Spani
50,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
Decommission
Eagle Ridge
-50,000
-50,000
-50,000
Add
Leisure
Pool to
CCAC
50,000
50,000
50,000
Equals
Total
Capacity
Use in
Relation
to
Capacity
110,658
110,658
160,658
160,658
160,658
160,658
87%
98%
74%
80%
82%
84%
As Figure Twelve shows, planning for new capacity at Spani needs to occur before 2021 and new
capacity needs to be available no later than 2026. Once it is in place, it will be at least fifteen years
before more capacity needs to be added to the outdoor pool system.
Whenever, phasing out a community level outdoor pool or wading pool always provide a higher quality
replacement capacity first, then decommission the older facilities once they are made redundant. In
addition, clustering aquatic services at the city-wide and community level will enhance services while at
the same time improving operational efficiencies.
Considering these principles the recommended priority is to build the first enhanced spray deck and
increase indoor pool capacity in the Southwest community. Figure Thirteen summarizes the
recommended sequence, timing and impact.
Example of an
Enhanced
Spray Deck in
Grand Park
Los Angeles
Professional Environmental Recreation Consultants Ltd. (PERC)
File #: 01-0620-20/PRC2/1 Doc #: 1951287.v3
Draft – Not for Distribution
14 | P a g e
Figure Thirteen
Aquatic Infrastructure Implementation
City Capital Contributions Required
2015-2020 2021-2025 2026-2031
Facility
YMCA
$15M
Blue Mountain Park
1
$2M
Blue Mountain Park
Spani Outdoor Pool
Town Centre
$15M
$2M
CCAC Outdoor Pool
$15M
Eagle Ridge Pool
Fraser Mills
Development
Northeast Park
$2M
Northeast Community
Centre
Neighbourhood level
spray decks
Total
1
$30M
$750k
$750k
$750k
(Rochester,
Glen Park)
(1 NE Park,
Cottonwood)
(1 NE Park,
1 SW Park)
$17.8
$17.8
$47.8
Comments
Construction of the YMCA needs to proceed
as soon as possible
Add Enhanced Spray Deck in the next five
years
Close Blue Mountain Wading Pool once the
enhanced spray deck is in place
Add Leisure Pool and Enhanced Spray Deck
Add Enhanced Spray Deck at Town Centre
Park or CCAC
Outdoor pool experience to replace Eagle
Ridge
Close once replacement at CCAC Outdoor
Pool is open
Facilitate a self contained aquatic facility or
additional contributions to a community level
indoor pool for southwest community
Build an Enhanced Spray Deck prior to the
construction of an indoor pool on the same
site
Build an indoor aquatic facility similar in size
to Poirier as part of a Northeast recreation
centre.
Add neighbourhood spray decks as suitable
neighbourhood parks are developed or
redeveloped.
Although the City is expected to invest $25 million into the YMCA Community Centre, approximately
$15M would pay for half of the indoor pool portion of the facility.
Implementation Principles and Assumptions
•
•
•
•
Planning for indoor aquatic capacity increases should be monitored as population growth
continues so that additional capacity could be added when indoor pools approach 90% of their
capacity
Assumed investments by adjacent municipalities need to be monitored to ensure appropriate
service levels in aquatics are maintained
The cost to build spray decks is based on a variety of variables, not the least being topography,
and design and the cost estimate is a placeholder. It is assumed that the total $4.5 million
would provide for 6 neighbourhood level spray decks.
All cost estimates are in 2015 dollars.
Professional Environmental Recreation Consultants Ltd. (PERC)
File #: 01-0620-20/PRC2/1 Doc #: 1951287.v3
Draft – Not for Distribution
15 | P a g e
Addendum A – Highlights from the 2012 Aquatic Services and
Infrastructure Strategy
In 2012, the consultants prepared, and council endorsed, a long term strategy for provision of aquatic
services and infrastructure. It is summarized as seven bullets below.
•
Adopt the three geographic levels of service model for aquatic service provision, with an indoor
and outdoor pool serving City/Regional level, indoor pools serving community level, and spray
decks serving neighbourhoods.
•
Plan for provision of aquatic capacity of about 6.6 swims per capita indoors and .6 swims per
capita outdoors.
•
Add/retrofit City/Regional level indoor and outdoor pools to enhance destination facilities and
ensure that they continue to draw users from across Coquitlam and beyond at close to full
capacity.
•
Increase indoor aquatic capacity in the northeast by providing a new indoor community level
pool in the early years of the next decade.
•
Monitor community level outdoor pool infrastructure and shift some uses of Eagle Ridge pool to
City/Regional level outdoor pool at Spani, and all indoor pools when Eagle Ridge is beyond its
functional lifespan. In the meantime, invest only enough to keep it functional.
•
Whenever phasing out community level outdoor pools or wading pools, always provide higher
quality replacement capacity first, and then decommission older, less efficient, lower quality
facilities that have been made redundant.
•
Build spray decks in neighbourhood parks and phase out the one remaining wading pool.
The above noted strategy is summarized in Figure A-1.
Figure A - 1
Summary of 2012 Aquatics Services Strategy
Types of Aquatic Amenity
City-wide/subregional
Community
Neighbourhood
Indoor Pool
X
Outdoor Pool
X
Wading Pool
X
Spray Deck
X
Within this aquatic strategy, there were some specific recommendations which Council endorsed.
Professional Environmental Recreation Consultants Ltd. (PERC)
Draft – Not for Distribution
A-1|P a g e
Short Term Recommendations
•
Upgrade the spray decks at Burns and Town Centre Parks.
•
Upgrade/expand the existing spray deck and build a new spray deck at the site of the Blue
Mountain Wading Pool and then close the wading pool.
•
Permanently close Rochester Outdoor pool and re-landscape the park, providing alternative
amenities to serve the neighbourhood.
•
Implement the asset maintenance and renewal program at Eagle Ridge to ensure functionality
for the next 5 years.
•
Initiate inter municipal aquatic discussions for the Burquitlam area with New Westminster,
Burnaby and Port Moody to determine long term indoor aquatic strategies for the region.
Mid Term Recommendations
•
Enhance CCAC as a City/Regional Pool, but don’t make it a National/International Competition
Centre. Upgrade its ability to host regional and provincial meets, and add some outdoor
experience, but don’t add another main tank.
•
Enhance Spani Pool as a City/Regional Pool – add an outdoor leisure pool and/or spray deck, and
some support for higher quality swim meets.
Long Term Recommendations
•
Add northeast indoor community pool similar in scale to the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex
in the early years of the next decade. In initial years, before the northeast community builds
out, it will add to the city wide aquatic capacity, serve the smaller population in the northeast as
well as much of the north half of Port Coquitlam.
•
Develop a spray deck on site of Eagle Ridge Outdoor Pool, and consider closing the main tank as
uses shift to CCAC, Spani, a new northeast indoor pool and a spray deck on this same site.
Professional Environmental Recreation Consultants Ltd. (PERC)
Draft – Not for Distribution
A-2|P a g e