Richmond moves to expropriate Watermania aquatic centre before its lease runs out
The City leases the building and land from a private owner, and the notice was filed in July.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
The City of Richmond is moving to take ownership of Watermania, one of the largest aquatic centres in the municipality, through expropriation. The move sets up a dispute with the private landlord as the lease approaches its expiry in March 2027.
Watermania sits in the Riverport Sports and Entertainment Complex in southeast Richmond, beside Silver City Riverport Cinemas, Splitsville Bowl and Richmond Ice Centre. It is known for its indoor wave pool, two long waterslides and a 57-metre competition pool with a movable bulkhead.
The City runs the facility but does not own the building or the land. Both are leased from a private owner, and the City is the tenant and operator. That arrangement dates to the 1990s, when voters approved about $20 million in 1993 for a publicly owned aquatic centre. Council later dropped that plan to avoid new debt and chose a proposal from the Riverport developer, which agreed to finance construction and lease the centre to the City. Watermania opened in 1997.
The City's formal expropriation notice is dated July 3, 2026, and was filed with the Land Title Office on July 6. It names 14300 Entertainment Blvd. Investments as the registered owner. Rather than negotiate a new lease with annual rent, the City is seeking to secure the facility's future as a public recreation centre by acquiring it.
What compensation is the City offering the owner, and who pays it?
How will the City say the facility will be run after it takes ownership?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
At a glance
Where is Watermania located?
Watermania is located in the Riverport Sports and Entertainment Complex in southeast Richmond, beside Silver City Riverport Cinemas, Splitsville Bowl and Richmond Ice Centre.
When does the Watermania lease expire?
The lease for Watermania in Richmond expires in March 2027. The City of Richmond filed its formal expropriation notice with the Land Title Office on July 6, 2026.
