Lewis Centre Expansion and Renovation Project
The City of Courtenay is upgrading and expanding the Courtenay Recreation Lewis Centre. The $5.4 million project will include numerous improvements, including a new Wellness Centre, large and small multi-purpose rooms, increased storage, washrooms and offices. The expansion will add approximately 11,000 square feet (1,000 square metres) to the facility.
The Courtenay Recreation Lewis Centre’s proximity to downtown Courtenay makes it a natural location for numerous community events, including Canada Day, Kidsfest, the Highland Games, ball tournaments, swim meets and more. It hosts summer programs and camps for hundreds of Comox Valley youth each summer.
The project will increase capacity, improve energy efficiency and accessibility, and make the building more comfortable for all users.
Expansion Opening June 10, 2013! Find out more
Project drawings
Patrons are asked to use extra caution in the parking lot and around the work area, and seek alternate parking elsewhere if possible including at Lewis Park, Simms Park, The LINC Youth Centre, and on nearby Puntledge Road and Tsolum Road.
The entire project is scheduled to be completed in September 2013.
Project highlights:
West expansion
- New 4,000 sq. ft. wellness centre approximately four times larger than the existing weightroom
- New multi-purpose room with sprung floor, ideal for fitness and dance activities
- New fully accessible changerooms approximately 50% larger than the existing changerooms
- Universal washroom large enough for scooters
Renovation
New multi-purpose room with kitchen area and storage
Improvements to accessibility, with special needs services moved to the main floor
Seating area for waiting and socializing
- Squash court upgrade and new squash court mezzanine
Energy efficient upgrades and improved heating and ventilation to existing building
Existing north entrance and corridor widened to reduce congestion
Questions or comments?
Email recreation@courtenay.ca
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Why expand?
Who will benefit?
Main components
Energy efficiency
Project funding and schedule
Why expand?
The Courtenay Recreation Lewis Centre was last renovated in 1991. Between 1991 and 2006, Courtenay’s population grew by 88%, resulting in added pressure on the Lewis Centre and other recreation facilities.
In addition to increasing capacity, the renovation and expansion will address energy efficiency and comfort. A 2008 energy and water audit rated the Lewis Centre’s efficiency as "poor", designating it as a high priority building for upgrades. Health and safety are also concerns. There are issues with ventilation, excess noise and heat.
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Who will benefit?
More space inside the Courtenay Recreation Lewis Centre means increased program availability for both children and adults. The needs of seniors have been given special consideration. There are currently waiting lists for many classes in the weight room, particularly programs geared towards people aged 55 and up. An expanded Wellness Centre will be able to accommodate many more people and will allow for increased program opportunities for all ages.
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Main Components
- New Wellness Centre -A multi-use space will provide for more fitness and wellness options, including cardio areas, stretch zones, weight training and specialized equipment for older adults.
- New multi-purpose and meeting rooms - will improve availability for programs and rentals. Over 30 local organizations use the Lewis Centre for meetings and activities.
- Improved accessibility - Those with mobility issues will have easier access to the building. Special needs services will also be relocated to the main floor.
- Storage - Storage rooms are currently overcrowded. The renovation and expansion will increase storage capacity considerably.
- Improved entrances - Better access from the north parking lot. More community gathering spaces.
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Energy efficiency The Lewis Centre expansion and renovation will update the existing mechanical system to provide better air quality and more efficient energy consumption through the installation of new condensing gas boilers and heat pumps. The expansion will be constructed to the highest energy efficiency standards. The project is estimated to greatly reduce natural gas and electricity consumption, and would help the City of Courtenay get closer to meeting its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, as detailed in the Corporate Climate Action Strategy.
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Project funding and construction schedule
$1 million will come from gas tax revenue through the federal Community Works Fund. The Province of BC is providing $400,000 through the Community Recreation Program. The City of Courtenay has set aside $200,000 in a reserve fund. The remainder, maximum $3,800,000, would need to be borrowed. The City of Courtenay is actively pursuing other grants and funding opportunities. Construction on the project began in August 2012.
The City of Courtenay used the Alternate Approval Process to determine whether electors approved of the City of Courtenay borrowing funds for the Lewis Centre expansion and renovation project. The deadline for elector responses was September 26, 2011. 1,802 signatures were required to hold a referendum; the City received 212 verified elector responses.
The City has hired Vic Davies Architect to refine the design for the Lewis Centre Project. Vic Davies Architect specializes in recreation facilities, including the recently completed Comox Community Centre renovation and expansion.
Knappett Projects is the construction manager for the project.
Construction will be completed in the fall of 2013
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