About the UBC Aquatic Centre
Facility Features
The UBC Aquatic Centre designed for campus, community and competition services the needs of athletic training, competition, and neighbourhood leisure needs. The new facility’s natatorium can accommodate nearly 1,000 bathers, and the viewing area in the mezzanine can host up to 460 spectators.
The facility features include:
- 25 metre recreational pool with diving boards and accessible ramp
- 50 metre competition pool with Omega Swiss Timing System
- Leisure pool and lazy river with accessible ramp
- 34-person family friendly hot tub with accessibility lift
- Steam room and sauna
- Viewing decks and spectator areas
- Men’s, women’s, and universal change rooms
- Meeting room
- Wet classroom
**The UBC Aquatic Centre uses both chlorine and UV purification
Amenities & Accessibility
UBC aims to be a barrier-free, accessible environment that is respectful among all people regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or experience. The UBC Aquatic Centre is a fully wheelchair-accessible space and offers plenty of amenities for it’s patrons including the following:
- Locker rentals and day lockers
- Accessible entrances with power-operated doors
- Accessible washrooms, change rooms, and elevators
- Accessible ramps in the 25m recreational and leisure pools
- Aquatic lift in the hot tub
- Universal change room for persons with attendants
- Braille signage
- Food and beverage kiosk
UBC Sustainability: Our water is blue, but our pool is green
The University of British Columbia is a global leader in sustainability. That’s why when the plans for the new UBC Aquatic Centre were conceived, environmental sustainability was central to the final vision for a world-class facility. While providing leading aquatic programs and services, the new UBC pool serves as a demonstration project for water-saving and water-recycling strategies. Vancouver’s temperate climate allows for millions of litres of rainwater to be collected and recycled to supply most of the water used in the building. On any given day, up to 5 cm of water evaporates from the surface of pools. The rainwater harvested from the building’s roof will be used to replenish water lost. The building will save approximately 2.7 million litres of water annually through rainwater harvesting, and almost 7,000 litres of water daily through water-efficient showerheads! To read “Making Waves With Sustainability at UBC Aquatic Centre” check out this blog post. The building is targeted to be certified LEED Gold — an achievement that shows the University as a living laboratory and agent of change. To learn more about LEED and the sustainable features of UBC Aquatic Centre, check out this blog post.
Locker information at the UBC Aquatic Centre
The UBC Aquatic Centre has a variety of locker options. Coin-operated day-use and term-based locker rentals are available at the facility. For policies related to lockers at the UBC Aquatic Centre please see UBC Recreation Policies – Locker Policies.Day Use Lockers
Day use lockers are available for $0.25 or $1.00 depending on the size of the locker. Lockers are located in the Universal, Women’s and Men’s changing spaces. All items must be removed by the end of the day; UBC Aquatic Centre staff will clear the lockers nightly.Long Term Locker Rentals
Locker rentals can be rented on a term-basis from the front desk at the UBC Aquatic Centre. Locker expiration dates for each term are at the end of April, August, and December of that year. Prior to locker expiration date, all goods and locks must be removed.Rentals end at 12:00 p.m. on the last day of the contract. All long-term rentals require an additional $15.00 refundable lock deposit. Please note a 4-week planned preventative maintenance closure occurs on a yearly basis and is included in the fees/locker schedule.
Locker Type | # of terms | UBC Student | UBC Faculty & Staff | UNA/CSC & Public |
Half-height Locker | 1 Term | $71.50 | $82.00 | $97.50 |
Half-height Locker | 2 Term | $110.00 | $130.00 | $150.00 |
Awards – UBC Aquatic Centre:
- Gold Certification – Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC)
- Sustainability Award – Engineers and Geoscientists BC
- RAIC 2020 Governor General Medal in Architecture
- IOC IAKS Award 2019
- AIA – 2019 Education Facility Design Awards
- 2018 Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia Award in Architecture – Medal
- Global Architecture & Design Awards 2018
- 2017 Athletic Business Facilities of Merit awards
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our facility? See our Frequently Asked Questions page. If your questions are still unanswered feel free to contact us.
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