001-48_126_RENEW_SEPT-OCT26_PT - Flipbook - Page 28
CONSTRUCTION
Re昀氀ecting on the approach, Stokes adds,
“For this project, the collaboration with the
community, the Construction Manager and
the consulting team resulted in a renovation
that parsed the project to minimize risk. For
example, the change rooms could be retained
untouched, the new mechanical building
could be replaced with local materials, and the
stainless-steel pool and 昀椀ltration systems were
sourced elsewhere in a modular format for
quality and cost certainty.”
To overcome the region’s limited supply
chains and long transportation timelines, the
team shifted from traditional cast-in-place
concrete construction to a prefabricated
stainless-steel pool system manufactured in
Czechia. This approach allowed the basin to
be fabricated overseas while site preparation
was underway, signi昀椀cantly reducing schedule and logistical risks.
Beyond its logistical bene昀椀ts, the stainless-steel system was selected for its performance in Bella Coola’s unique environmental conditions. Located within a 200-year
昀氀oodplain, the region experiences periodic
groundwater surges that create challenges
for traditional concrete construction.
“Pools are designed to hold water, but
here, we also had to manage water pushing
in from the backside,” said Dominic Ries,
Director of Technical Solutions, Pre-Construction at Chandos. “Stainless steel eliminated permeability concerns and o昀昀ered far
better long-term resilience against groundwater saturation and against traditional
damp-proo昀椀ng on concrete swimming pool
tanks.”
Achieving this outcome required careful
planning and risk management, says Stokes.
“The combination of the above factors in
28—RENEW CANADA – SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
Bella Coola meant that the window for success was narrow and, at multiple points, the
project appeared to be at jeopardy. Careful
planning before construction, including onboarding Chandos as Construction Manager,
allowed us to manifest success here.”
A collaborative team in action
The success of the Bella Coola Centennial
Pool project—completed one month ahead
of schedule—rested on a coordinated,
multidisciplinary team.
Each partner brought technical expertise and a shared commitment to a facility
that re昀氀ects the needs and identity of the
Bella Coola Valley. Carscadden focused on
community identity and accessibility. AME
Group engineered pool and mechanical
systems that balance performance with e昀케ciency. RJC developed structural solutions
suited to the region’s climate and seismic
conditions, while O’M Engineering provided reliable, e昀케cient electrical systems for
remote operations.
Supported by Chandos’ collaborative
construction model, the team aligned design,
constructability, and long-term operations so
the 昀椀nished pool is both technically robust
and practical for local sta昀昀 to run.
A blueprint for northern resilience
Bella Coola’s new outdoor pool is more than
a local improvement. It o昀昀ers a practical template for other remote communities that are
deciding how to replace aging pools and arenas. By pairing durable materials with e昀케cient
systems, matching design to local capacity, and
using a collaborative project model, the team
created a facility that can stand up to northern
conditions without overwhelming the community’s resources.
As northern communities across B.C. and
the broader provinces confront similar pressures on aging recreation infrastructure, the
Bella Coola project provides tested strategies
rather than abstract ideals. It shows that with
clear priorities, the right partners, and a focus
on long-term value, remote regions can build
and operate recreation facilities that support
health, culture, and regional connection for
decades to come.
RENEWCANADA.NET
CHANDOS CONSTRUCTION
More than a seasonal recreation facility, the Bella Coola
pool shows how remote communities can replace aging
infrastructure with amenities that are affordable to
operate and built for local conditions.
Bella Coola Centennial Project Team
Chandos Construction
(Construction Manager/Builder)
Carscadden Stokes McDonald Architects
(Architect)
AME Group (Mechanical Engineering)
RJC Engineers (Structural Engineering)
O’M Engineering (Electrical Engineering)
Community impact and regional benefits
Recreation infrastructure like Bella Coola’s new
outdoor pool strengthens northern communities by improving health, safety, social connection, and local economies. The pool o昀昀ers
a safe space for youth, families, and Elders
to be active, learn water safety, and spend
time together. In a region with few seasonal
amenities, it has quickly become a summer hub
for swimming lessons, family recreation, youth
programs, and community events.
The project also generated local employment
during construction and continues to support
seasonal jobs in operations. Chandos prioritized
local hiring wherever possible so more of the
economic bene昀椀t remains in the valley. Because
the facility uses e昀케cient systems and a durable
stainless-steel basin, operating and maintenance
costs are easier to manage, which helps the
community keep programs accessible.
Positioned as a regional asset, the pool
serves neighbouring communities as well. Its
design and programming support shared use,
strengthening ties across the Bella Coola Valley
and surrounding areas.
