Richmond’s once iconic Minoru Aquatic Centre is expected to be demolished in 2018, according to a City of Richmond report on infrastructure.
The pool will become obsolete when the new $80 million Minoru Complex, featuring two 25-metre pools and a seniors’ centre, is completed in late 2017, across the parking lot at the former site of the Minoru Pavilion and one soccer field.
City council will need to approve the planned $3 million demolition, which is to include interim landscaping.
City staff has indicated the site of the existing pool could be used as green space, considering Minoru Park lost a significant chunk of it with the new recreational facility.
“The new Minoru Complex, that will provide programs and services currently held at Minoru Aquatics Centre, has created an additional facility footprint in the park. By demolishing the current Minoru Aquatics Centre, additional park and open space could be generated,” notes the report.
City engineers note that the existing 56-year-old structure does not lend itself easily to alternate uses. Furthermore it is in poor condition, so demolition is the “most viable option.”
The interim landscaping will be replaced with a more permanent plan in 2019, once the Minoru Vision Plan is completed. Councillors could choose to develop the land or leave it green.
The new facility will also feature new change rooms for outdoor athletes. The city stated in 2014 the facility would open in June 2017. The opening now appears to be delayed. The facility is being built by construction firm Stuart Olsen.
— Graeme Wood/Richmond News
