Bella Coola, BC, is a remote community that's a 14-hour drive from Vancouver or accessible by small plane. Our Vancouver Special Services Group (SSG) is updating the town’s outdoor pool, originally built in 1967 as part of Canada’s Centennial Celebrations. Once complete, the pool will continue to support local youth with swimming lessons and lifeguard training.
Engaged early in the design process, the SSG team that traditional concrete construction wasn't due to limited local supply. In collaboration with the client and our design partners, they pivoted to a modular stainless-steel system. The prefabricated pool was manufactured by Berndorf Baderbau, shipped in sea cans, and assembled on site.
A central focus of our procurement strategy was leveraging local talent and supporting the local economy throughout the pool’s construction. For example, while concrete was still required for the foundations, the alternate design aligned procurement with the local Nuxalk Nation supplier, which ensured more project funds remained within the community. In addition, local framers, concrete placers, and general labour have been actively engaged across the build, further strengthening community involvement and economic benefit.
Work includes demolition of the existing pool and construction of a new lap pool and supporting mechanical room. The team is working closely with our in-house technical group to navigate site logistics and maintain progress.