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City of New Westminster Opens təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre
City of New WestminsterNEW WESTMINSTER - The City of New Westminster officially opened the community centre portion of the new təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre. The community centre celebration event included an Indigenous blessing in the front plaza, a ribbon cutting, and a ceremonial procession inside the facility. Guests were able to try out a variety of drop-in programs and learn more about the facility in the main lobby, also known as the community living room.
"I am thrilled to finally welcome the community inside təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre! This project has been years in the making and I know the new facility will be a hub of activity, bringing our community together in exciting new ways,” said Mayor Patrick Johnstone. “I want to extend my deepest thanks to everyone who has worked tirelessly to make this vision a reality. I encourage all members of our community to come and visit this incredible facility, which will undoubtedly become a cornerstone of our city for generations to come."
təməsew̓txʷ means “sea otter house” in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, the Down River language of local First Nations. It was chosen because of the playfulness, joyfulness, and family-oriented nature of the sea otter, which reflects the key themes that emerged during community engagement sessions. The new facility aims to be the heart and soul of the community and a place for all to connect. The centre was carefully designed for all ages and abilities with consideration of how communities engage in recreation today and into the future.
"Today is a great day for New Westminster and marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to enhancing the well-being of our community,” said Dean Gibson, Director of Parks and Recreation. “The opening of təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre not only provides a wonderful new facility for recreation and fitness but also serves as a vibrant space for fostering connections and inclusivity. We are excited to see this center become a place where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can come together, stay active, and create lasting memories."
As part of the phased opening, introductory amenities will include:
The aquatic portion of the facility, which includes an eight-lane 50 metre pool, a leisure pool with lazy river, hot pools, tot zone, and sauna and steam rooms, will open to the public on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 4:00 pm.
The new 10,644 square metre (114,571 square foot) state-of-the-art facility is the City of New Westminster’s largest capital project to date. The combined aquatic and community centre is LEED Gold certified and is Canada’s first completed all-electric facility to achieve the Canada Green Building Council’s (CAGBC) Zero Carbon Building-Design Standard. The facility’s inclusive design and physical accessibility components has also resulted in the Rick Hansen Accessibility Foundation Gold Certification.
The new facility is located at 65 East Sixth Avenue at the site of the former Canada Games Pool and Centennial Community Centre. To learn more about təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre, as well as upcoming celebration events, visit: newwestcity.ca/təməsew̓txʷ
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"I am thrilled to finally welcome the community inside təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre! This project has been years in the making and I know the new facility will be a hub of activity, bringing our community together in exciting new ways,” said Mayor Patrick Johnstone. “I want to extend my deepest thanks to everyone who has worked tirelessly to make this vision a reality. I encourage all members of our community to come and visit this incredible facility, which will undoubtedly become a cornerstone of our city for generations to come."
təməsew̓txʷ means “sea otter house” in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓, the Down River language of local First Nations. It was chosen because of the playfulness, joyfulness, and family-oriented nature of the sea otter, which reflects the key themes that emerged during community engagement sessions. The new facility aims to be the heart and soul of the community and a place for all to connect. The centre was carefully designed for all ages and abilities with consideration of how communities engage in recreation today and into the future.
"Today is a great day for New Westminster and marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to enhancing the well-being of our community,” said Dean Gibson, Director of Parks and Recreation. “The opening of təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre not only provides a wonderful new facility for recreation and fitness but also serves as a vibrant space for fostering connections and inclusivity. We are excited to see this center become a place where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can come together, stay active, and create lasting memories."
As part of the phased opening, introductory amenities will include:
- Expansive fitness centre featuring cardio, weights, and functional training areas
- Fitness studios for group fitness and cycle classes
- Two gymnasiums for a variety of sport activities
- Multi-purpose rooms for community recreation programs, meeting spaces, and special events
- Community gathering spaces
- Accessible universal washrooms and accessible change room with motorized adult change table
The aquatic portion of the facility, which includes an eight-lane 50 metre pool, a leisure pool with lazy river, hot pools, tot zone, and sauna and steam rooms, will open to the public on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 4:00 pm.
The new 10,644 square metre (114,571 square foot) state-of-the-art facility is the City of New Westminster’s largest capital project to date. The combined aquatic and community centre is LEED Gold certified and is Canada’s first completed all-electric facility to achieve the Canada Green Building Council’s (CAGBC) Zero Carbon Building-Design Standard. The facility’s inclusive design and physical accessibility components has also resulted in the Rick Hansen Accessibility Foundation Gold Certification.
The new facility is located at 65 East Sixth Avenue at the site of the former Canada Games Pool and Centennial Community Centre. To learn more about təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre, as well as upcoming celebration events, visit: newwestcity.ca/təməsew̓txʷ
Original post