Canada’s first Zero Carbon aquatic centre

təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre in New Westminster

published in sb magazine 5/2024 

təməsew̓txʷ / Sea Otter House Aquatic and Community Centre is woven into the landscape with a dramatic unifying roof. Designed by hcma architecture + design, təməsew̓txʷ has been designed for all ages and abilities, and for how communities engage in recreation today and into the future. The facility puts a greater focus on community connections and wellness-based activities, alongside more traditional sporting and fitness pursuits.

The CAD 114 million, 10,684 m² combined aquatic and community centre is Canada’s first completed all-electric facility to achieve the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building-Design Standard, a significant transition for a building typology that has traditionally been one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gas emissions for many local governments. The pool facility is also the first to use a gravity-fed filtration system, which reduces the need for chlorine usage and creation of associated harmful byproducts, resulting in improved air and water quality.