Breathing new life into the Recreation Centre
Beaconsfield Recreation Centre is getting a makeover!
The renovation of our Recreation Centre is essential to modernize it and meet the growing and diverse needs of the community. By providing adapted facilities, the Centre plays a key role in promoting healthy lifestyles, encouraging physical activity and personal development. It actively contributes to the community's well-being by offering a range of services and activities that strengthen social bonds and promote inclusion for all. By investing in its renovation, we are investing in a healthier and more inclusive future for all our residents.
The City is pleased to announce that the expansion and upgrades contract (TP 2026-04) has been awarded to Constructions Lavacon Inc. for $36,186,024.99 (taxes included), within the projected cost estimates.
What to look forward to
Imagine a completely revitalized centre: a brand new multi-purpose fitness room, a renovated pool with an accessibility ramp, a universal change room, a new bistro to connect with neighbours, and expanded spaces for sports, cultural events and day camps. A place where everyone feels at home.
Accessibility for all, without exception
This project puts inclusion front and centre: a new elevator, accessible seating in the arena, a pool accessibility ramp and universal change rooms. The Centre will truly be designed with residents of all mobility levels in mind.
Construction timeline
The project will begin in June 2026 with a preparatory phase, followed by Phase 1 in late summer.
There may be temporary closures during the preparatory phase. Stay tuned, more details to come!
Good news: the Centre will remain open throughout the first phase. The swimming pool is still scheduled to close completely in winter 2027.
Our Recreation Centre is more than just a building, it is:
- An activity hub for everyone
- A space dedicated to the community
- Home to over 40 groups and associations
- A venue for numerous sports competitions
- A centre ready to support us in an emergency
Notable statistics
- The Recreation Centre saw 150 000 participants in 2023, 70% of which were residents:
- 70 000 at the pool,
- 50 000 at the arena,
- 16 000 in the gymnasium,
- 11 500 in our rooms,
- 2 500 at day camps,
- plus parents and friends who come to cheer!
Why renovate?
Results of the 2023 needs analysis:
- Seven out of ten residents believe that our facilities and equipment need to be improved.
- One in two people think that the infrastructure needs renovation.
Key findings identified
- Complete renovation of the Recreation Centre
- Major work required:
- Pool: repair the concrete basin and upgrade the locker rooms
- Gymnasium: enlarge the space and add air conditioning
- Arena: complete renovation
- Other rooms: adapt to offer more activities
- Improve accessibility for all
State of the facilities
- Centre built in 1974
- Signs of major wear and tear
- Facilities at the end of their useful life cycle
- The cost of inaction is high: service breakdowns have serious impacts on facility operations, including permanent closures.
User needs
- Adapting equipment and services to users' changing needs
- Family and inclusive locker room needed
- Facility to be adapted to accommodate day camps
- User needs have evolved over time, which is to be expected 50 years later.
Accessibility
- Limited access for people with reduced mobility
- Pool access by external ramp only
- Unsuitable stairs and bathrooms
- Universal accessibility is essential to allow everyone, including people with reduced mobility, to fully enjoy the facilities.
Building code compliance
- Meet Régie du bâtiment du Québec standards
- Make emergency exits compliant
- Add a sprinkler system
- Remove asbestos
- Bringing the building up to code is essential to ensure the safety of users and to provide a safer environment that meets current government requirements.
An improved Centre
- Improved safety
- Accessible for all
- Lobby redesigned for greater capacity
- Addition of an elevator
- Pool with an access ramp
- New multifunctional exercise room for up to 50 people
- Refurbishment of existing rooms (with improved accessibility)
- Enlarged locker rooms for the pool
- Addition of a new accessible and inclusive locker room
- Addition of windows throughout the Centre
- Addition of a mezzanine overlooking the pool
- Accessible seating area in the arena stands
Emergency centre
- Hosts residents during prolonged emergency situations
- Serves as a warming or cooling centre during power outages
- Requires facilities adapted to manage large numbers of people
- With the increase in incidents linked to climate change, our Recreation Centre plays a crucial role in emergency preparedness. It has become an essential meeting point for residents and must be both safe and accessible to all.
Arena renovations
An arena where dreams take shape
The project is on track to meet its budget and schedule. The arena should welcome our users again in the summer of 2025. This modernized space will be a place where athletes, young and old, can once again dream!
Work on the arena began over the summer and is well under way. They include:
- Complete overhaul of the cooling system
- Refurbishment of the concrete slab
- Replacement of the rink boards
- Compliance with the latest safety standards
Total project cost: $5.5M
FAQ
Why is the centre being renovated if it seems to be well used?
While the centre is popular, a survey conducted in 2023 revealed that 70% of respondents felt that the facilities and equipment needed improvements. The centre was originally built in 1974 and has experienced significant wear and tear over the years. Additionally, there are accessibility issues and outdated features that need to be addressed to meet the evolving needs of the community.
Why not build a new Centre?
- Constructing a new building would be significantly more expensive, estimated at twice the cost of the planned renovations.
- Available land does not meet the needs of a new project.
- Rebuilding on the current site would mean a major interruption in services for several years.
How will the renovated Recreation Centre support accessibility for all residents?
The renovation will include features such as a new elevator, accessible seating in the arena, ramps for pool access, and universally designed locker rooms, ensuring the Centre is usable by people of all mobility levels.
What new features can we expect in the renovated Centre?
The renovated Centre will include several new features, such as a universal accessible change room, a multi-functional exercise room, and a renovated pool with a ramp for easier access. Additionally, the centre will be more accessible for people with mobility issues, and there will be a new bistro area.
How will the upgraded Recreation Centre enhance community activities and engagement?
The renovations will expand space for sports, cultural events, and day camps, add a multipurpose exercise room, improve meeting spaces, and create a more welcoming environment, strengthening social bonds and fostering inclusion across the community.
What is the renovation cost?
The contract (TP 2026-04) for the for the expansion and compliance upgrade of the Beaconsfield Recreational Centre was awared to the lowest conforming bidder, Constructions Lavacon Inc., in the amount of $36,186,024.99, all taxes included.
What measures are in place to ensure the project stays on budget and on schedule?
The city has implemented rigorous financial management practices, including phased construction and close oversight, to ensure the project adheres to its $35 million budget and three-year timeline.
What will be the impact on property taxes?
The impact on municipal taxes will be amortized over a period of 40 years.*
Will the Centre remain open during the renovations?
The Centre will remain open during the renovations, but some facilities, such as the pool, may be temporarily closed.
How long will the renovations take?
The work will be carried out in phases over approximately 3 years. A preparation phase will being in June 2026. Phase 1 of the work will begin at the end of the summer season of 2026, and the Centre will remain open to the public during this first phase. A closure of the pool is planned for winter 2027. More details will follow.
How does the renovation align with sustainable development goals?
The project incorporates sustainable building practices, including energy-efficient systems and materials, to ensure long-term environmental and financial responsibility while modernizing the Centre.
What role will the Recreation Centre play in emergency situations after the renovations?
The updated Centre will be equipped to serve as a critical emergency hub, offering shelter, heating, and cooling facilities during prolonged power outages or extreme weather events, ensuring the safety and comfort of residents.
Preliminary concept images
Recreation Centre renovations
Follow the evolution of the renovation of the Recreation Centre, which continues step by step. We will regularly share construction-site photos so you can see the progress made in each phase and watch the Centre transform as the work continues.
