New Indoor Aquatics Facility Under Construction
We’re making waves! New Indoor Aquatic Facility Coming 2029!
Fall 2025 marks the start of construction on the Indoor Aquatic Facility (IAF) heated by geothermal energy. Set to open in 2029, this will be Regina’s first public year-round pool to include waterslides, a wave pool and a lazy river. These features are integrated with state-of-the-art dedicated pools for water sports with the capacity to host national and international athletic competitions.
The scope of this exciting project will add space for swimming lessons and offer access to fun, relaxing and healthy community leisure activities for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities to swim, compete and have fun.
Sign up for construction updates by email or contact newindooraquaticsfacility@regina.ca for more information.
Fall 2025 Construction Begins
Following the sod-turning on August 19, construction is set to begin with site preparation in fall 2025.
Can we still use the Lawson Pool and Fieldhouse?
The Lawson Pool and Fieldhouse will remain open as much as possible during construction to ensure minimal disruption to programming during construction of the new aquatic facility.
Where do we park to use the Sportplex – Lawson Pool and Fieldhouse?
Parking is still available on site at the Sportplex. There will be updates and signs on site when construction begins.
Where exactly will the new facility be?
The Indoor Aquatics Facility will be at 1717 Elphinstone Street, east of the Lawson Pool and Fieldhouse across from Mosaic Stadium and the REAL District. This central location is a hub for visitors and residents to take in events and come for a swim.
The unique design and features of the facility are influenced and inspired by comprehensive Indigenous and community engagement between 2021 and 2025.
Special features for the facility will include:
- Waterslides
- Wave pool
- Lazy river
- Two 50-metre pools with capacity to host national competitions
- Dive towers
- Dryland training spaces
- Community spaces
- Food services
- Accessible and all gender washroom and changerooms
- Outdoor play structure and spray pad
What will it look like?
Check out the conceptual design renderings to get an idea of what the Indoor Aquatics Facility may look like. These are concepts showing the features and may not represent the final design.
Waterslides, Wave Pool and Leisure Pools
Competition and Training Space
Community Spaces
The geothermal energy heating system supports the City’s goal of being net-zero on carbon emissions by 2050.
The estimated annual net GHG emission reduction is 8,670 tonnes CO2e (equivalent to removing 1,880 gas cars off the road). The geothermal feasibility study completed in 2023 projected the geothermal resource is sustainable for a minimum of 70 years.
The project cost for the geothermal heating plant is approximately $28.5M, partially funded through grants dedicated to sustainable energy.
A new indoor aquatics facility was identified as a top priority in the 2019 Recreation Master Plan. It also supports Design Regina: Overall Community Plan for Growth and fits within the Renewable Regina plan for sustainability.
Demand for both competitive and recreational pool time outpaces the current capacity of the three current indoor pools which average about 450,000 total visits per year. With exciting new leisure attractions in the waterpark and a national level competition space, projected visits to this pool alone could exceed 600,000 swim visits and 1.2 million site visits per year.
How much will it cost?
The budget for the IAF is $285.1 million with an additional $28.5 million for the geothermal heating facility. In total, the budget for the IAF is $313.6 million. The funding breakdown is as follows:
Aquatic Facility $285.1 million
- Federal government: $43.2 million
- Provincial government: $36 million
- City of Regina: $205.9 million
Geothermal Heating Plant $28.5 million
- Federal and provincial Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program grant: $14.7 million
- City of Regina: $13.8 million
Expand this section to learn about project timeline.
2019
- A new indoor aquatic facility was identified as a priority in the 2019 Recreation Master Plan for Regina.
September 2021 - June 2022
- A Community Advisory Committee was established for the project.
- Planning work over this phase included: a feasibility study, an assessment of the existing facility and financial analysis.
- Consultations and community engagement included: stakeholder consultations, best practice workshops and public surveys.
Summer 2022
- The feasibility study on a new indoor aquatic facility was presented to the Executive Committee. A Catalyst Committee was established to guide the project.
Spring 2023
- March 1 – The Catalyst Committee presented a proposal to Executive Committee.
- March 8 – City Council approved the proposal to apply for federal and provincial funding.
Spring 2024 to Fall 2024
- March 7 – The City of Regina, along with the provincial and federal governments, announced funding approval for the Indoor Aquatics Facility and geothermal heating plant through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
- October – Council approved initial funding for the project.
Summer 2025
- May 2025 – Public neighbourhood drop-in sessions were held to share information on the project.
- July 2025 – City Council approved updated budget of $313.6 million, including $28.5 million for the geothermal energy plant.
Fall 2025
- August 2025 – Public officials and local aquatics groups gathered for a sod-turning event to celebrate the beginning of this exciting new project.
- October/November 2025 – Site preparation begins behind the Sportplex building at Elphinstone Street, marking the start of construction.
