Victoria Crystal Pool to close September 25 for $209M replacement

Crystal Pool closure Victoria Recreation Centre recreation facility replacement infrastructure project Victoria municipal government

The City of Victoria has announced that the Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre will officially close on September 25 to make way for a new $209.2 million replacement facility. The project, which was approved following a 2025 referendum, is expected to take approximately 62 months to complete, including the design phase. The current facility, which has been in operation since 1971, will be demolished to build the new centre at the same location.

Residents will face a service gap between the closure of the current pool and the opening of an interim facility. The city plans to lease the former YMCA building at 851 Broughton Street to serve as the Victoria Recreation Centre. However, due to significant water damage from a recent leak and ongoing necessary repairs estimated between $300,000 and $500,000, the interim site is not expected to open until early 2027 at the earliest.

Derrick Newman, Victoria’s director of Parks and Recreation, stated that the September closure is necessary to keep the replacement project on schedule and within budget. While the interim facility will offer a reduced aquatic footprint, it is intended to provide essential services during the construction period.

Entities

City of Victoria · Crystal Pool and Fitness Centre · Derrick Newman · Victoria Recreation Centre · YMCA-YWCA

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The replacement project will involve a 41-month closure of the pool facility.
[○ 1 SOURCE] A 2025 referendum resulted in 59 per cent of voters supporting the replacement of the facility.
[● 3 SOURCES] The interim Victoria Recreation Centre is expected to open in early 2027. oakbaynews.com · vicnews.com · victoriabuzz.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Repairs to the former YMCA building are estimated to cost between $300,000 and $500,000 following a water leak. oakbaynews.com · vicnews.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The city will borrow $168.9 million for the project. victoriabuzz.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The new Crystal Pool facility is estimated to cost $209.2 million. oakbaynews.com · vicnews.com · victoriabuzz.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The former YMCA building at 851 Broughton Street will serve as the interim recreation centre. oakbaynews.com · vicnews.com · victoriabuzz.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The current Crystal Pool will officially close on September 25. oakbaynews.com · vicnews.com · victoriabuzz.com