Upcoming service impacts at Saanich Commonwealth Place

March 9, 2023

Information bulletin
For immediate release

Saanich, BC – As part of the boiler installation phase of the biomass mechanical system upgrade project, Saanich Commonwealth Place (SCP) will experience some upcoming service impacts with no hot water or heat in certain areas of the facility from April 3 to 21.  

During this time frame, SCP will be open regular operating hours with a few temporary adjustments:

  • The pools will be open with a modified schedule to provide leisure swimming and lengths access for most hours of the day in addition to maintaining access for high performance clubs.
  • The pool temperatures will be lower than normal and are expected to decrease over the time frame.  
  • The hot tub will be available as a cold plunge option.
  • The sauna and steam room will remain open as usual.
  • The tots pool will be closed.
  • Cleansing showers before entering the pools are still required. Water will be cold but is still safe.
  • Daily pool water and air temperatures will be posted in the facility and on the website for the duration of the boiler outage.
  • Dryland programming will continue as scheduled. Patrons attending dryland programming in the facility may want to bring an extra layer as it may be cooler than usual in some program spaces.
  • Supplemental fans and heaters will be available in some spaces to support patron comfort.
  • Weight Room temperatures will not be impacted by this outage.
  • Saanich Access Pass holders who do not wish to use the facility during this time frame can speak to a reception team member to pause their pass.
  • Kattia’s Kitchen Café will be open with modified operations.

Patrons may use their Saanich Access Pass to visit any of Saanich’s other three recreation centres including Gordon Head Recreation Centre for all swimming/aquatic needs. Visit Saanich.ca/recreation for facility schedules.

The next phase of the project includes assembling the biomass boilers inside the building’s mechanical room and connecting them to the existing heating system. This phase will also include excavation at the back of the building for the biomass fuel storage area.

Project construction began in September 2022. The new system is anticipated to be in full operation by Fall 2023.

Learn more

More information about the biomass mechanical upgrades project is available at saanich.ca.

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Media contacts:
Jennifer Jakobsen
Manager, Saanich Commonwealth Place
Jennifer.jakobsen@saanich.ca
250-475-7604

Megan Catalano
Communications Manager
megan.catalano@saanich.ca
250-475-7639