Saanich Commonwealth Place Leisure Pool
Victoria, British Columbia

VDA was one-third of the Commonwealth Group Architects, a collection of local firms working on this recreation centre. VDA acted as Specialist Pool Consultant for the leisure pool portion of this project.

The success of facilities in smaller towns proved the catalyst for larger cities to seriously consider “entertainment” when building or renovating a facility.

Saanich Commonwealth Place was “Games driven” when designed, and it was important to have a financially responsible life after the Commonwealth Games. The leisure pool components incorporated into this facility offer family use and access for all after the Games, making the facility more financially viable to taxpayers.

The freeform leisure pool is placed alongside the traditional rectangular 50 metre and 25 metre tanks. In addition to the swirlpool, steam room, and sauna, there is a separate warm tots’ pool with sprays and a raindrop unit. A 90 metre teal-green waterslide loops around in one corner of the pool area.

This facility is an excellent example of educational theming, depicting native art and experiences. Two owl totems designed by Roy Henry Vickers and a pair of smiling sea otters shoot water on frolicking swimmers. The centre piece of the leisure pool is a shipwrecked red, white and blue galleon which dumps water over bathers from the crows nest and cannons on all sides.