City of Regina breaks ground for Indoor Aquatics Facility 

The City of Regina, along with its valued partners, broke ground today for the anticipated Indoor Aquatics Facility (IAF). Construction on this state-of-the-art facility will officially begin next month. 

The IAF, located at the Sportplex at 1717 Elphinstone Street, will replace the Lawson Aquatic Centre’s aging infrastructure and will feature enhanced amenities including two 50m pools designed to host national competitions, leisure amenities such as a wave pool and waterslides, dryland training spaces, community spaces and an outdoor play structure and spray pad.  

“Today marks an important milestone in a project with huge potential for Saskatchewan’s capital city,” Minister of Government Relations Eric Schmalz said. “The new aquatic centre will provide room for health and wellness, gathering and socializing, and playing and competing. Recreation facilities in our communities make for a strong and secure Saskatchewan not just for today’s residents and visitors, but for future generations as well.” 

The IAF has a budget of $285.1 million, with an additional $28.5 million budget for the geothermal heating facility, bringing the total project budget to $313.6 million.  This project is jointly funded by the federal, provincial and municipal governments, with $51.2 million from the federal government, $42.7 million from the provincial government and $219.7 million from the City of Regina.  

Grant funding supports the construction of a deep Geothermal Heating Facility (GHF) to provide energy to the new aquatics facility. Naturally occurring hot water extracted from the earth will heat the facility, providing significant environmental benefits – comparable to removing 2,355 cars from the road every year. 

“We’re thrilled for this groundbreaking moment,” said Mayor Chad Bachynski. “This facility is about more than recreation – it’s about accessibility, equity and creating a space where everyone feels welcome. It’s a project years in the making that will benefit Regina for generations to come." 

Set to open in 2029, the IAF will greatly enhance the City’s ability to host competitive events, expand recreational amenities for the local community and increase tourism. This project represents a significant investment in public infrastructure, highlighting the City’s dedication to improving public facilities, supporting vibrant communities, as well as the City’s commitment to becoming a renewable, net-zero community by 2050.  

“Strong communities need good quality community infrastructure,” said Ted Schisler, Deputy City Manager of Corporate Services. "It is important that we are able to deliver on these types of facilities which support the health and wellbeing of our growing community well into the future.” 

A promotional video capturing residents’ reactions to the facility’s rendering images, featured at the sod turning event, can be viewed here. 
 

Visit the New Indoor Aquatics Facility | Be Heard Regina webpage to keep up with updates and for more details.