Activities and Outings

All about the Pierrefonds‑Roxboro aquatic complex

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A flagship project for the West Island, the Pierrefonds‑Roxboro aquatic complex is a modern, welcoming space dedicated to community life and equitable access to swimming and water‑based activities.

A gathering place and a source of community pride 

Designed as a vibrant hub for daily life and social interaction, the Pierrefonds‑Roxboro Aquatic Complex plays a key role in improving access to aquatic activities for local residents of Pierrefonds‑Roxboro and L’Île‑Bizard–Sainte‑Geneviève. Highly anticipated by the community, it is a source of neighbourhood pride and aligns with the City of Montréal’s priorities in solidarity, equity and inclusion. 

Located in the heart of the borough—near City Hall, the library, the community and cultural centre, schools, shops and major transportation corridors (bus routes, REM, bike paths and BIXI)—the complex is destined to become a true gathering place and a driver of neighbourhood vitality. It also defines the site of a future public square planned for 2027. 

The complex is the first indoor aquatic facility of its scale in the West Island of Montréal. Made possible through a joint investment by the City of Montreal ($66M) and the Government of Quebec ($7.5M), it was designed to provide equitable access to aquatic activities for all in a modern, inclusive, and sustainable environment. Construction began in 2023 and was completed in 2026, bringing an ambitious community vision to life.

Facility page with programming and schedule coming soon

The complex offers a full range of versatile facilities designed for recreational, athletic and community use: 

  • A 25‑metre swimming pool with 8 lanes 

  • 1‑metre and 3‑metre diving boards 

  • A recreational pool with a wading pool, water slide and water games

  • A steam room (hammam) 

  • A multipurpose room 

  • Observation areas and welcoming service spaces 

  • A modern and inclusive universal locker room 

Pool access is free for all residents of the City of Montréal.

Facility page with programming and schedule coming soon

The design of the aquatic complex was developed with universal accessibility in mind. Movement throughout the building is facilitated by access ramps, an elevator, wide circulation areas, a gradual beach entrance and pool access ramps.

An inclusive universal locker room 

One of the complex’s standout features is its universal locker room, designed to support inclusion and comfort: 

  • Families can stay together 

  • Children can be accompanied easily 

  • People with reduced mobility benefit from adapted spaces alongside caregivers 

  • School groups, day camps and community organizations enjoy modern, functional facilities 

Users get changed in private cubicles and nudity is prohibited in common areas to ensure comfort and respect for everyone. Safety is ensured by trained staff and appropriate supervision within an environment focused on collective well‑being.

The aquatic complex’s universal locker room features modern, well‑organized facilities. Upon entry, a boot corridor with 280 lockers allows visitors to move through the locker room without shoes or boots. This area also includes stroller parking, hair dryers, and mirrors installed at various heights.

Inside the locker room, amenities include:

  • 350 lockers with integrated benches
  • 60 small code‑locked security lockers for personal belongings and valuables
  • 24 washrooms
  • 13 shower stalls
  • A universally accessible locker room with an adult changing table, ceiling lift, accessible toilet, and shower
  • Enclosed changing cabins: 25 individual cabins without showers, 5 family cabins without showers, 6 individual cabins with showers, 5 family cabins with showers
  • A first‑aid room adjacent to the lifeguard office
  • Vanity counters with mirrors and electrical outlets
  • Sinks equipped with step stools for children

Building access

The Aquatic Complex enjoys a prime location near the Pierrefonds–Roxboro and Sunnybrooke REM stations. It is easily accessible by public transit via several STM bus routes (201, 205, 230, 382, 470, 475 and 476), as well as a BIXI station located in front of Borough Hall, directly across from the complex. Active transportation is also encouraged through a network of bike paths, safe sidewalks, and pedestrian crossings.

For those travelling by car, free on-site parking is available, including electric vehicle charging stations. A BIXI station is also located just steps from the main entrance.

The Aquatic Complex and Borough Hall will also frame the future public square, a vibrant gathering space planned for construction in 2027-2028, further enhancing the civic heart of Pierrefonds-Roxboro.

The Pierrefonds‑Roxboro aquatic complex is pursuing LEED v4 Gold certification, reflecting a strong commitment to Montréal’s ecological transition. The building was designed to be innovative, low‑carbon and resilient to climate change. 

Among the innovative features integrated into the complex: 

  • Geothermal energy: Uses energy stored underground through 18 geothermal wells to optimize the building’s mechanical systems, recover energy, and reduce overall energy consumption. 
  • High-performance building envelope and roof: Enhanced insulation minimizes heat loss and helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 
  • Responsible water management: A high-performance filtration system reduces water consumption while maintaining optimal water quality. 
  • Stormwater retention basin: Designed to reduce the risk of sewer backups and limit wastewater discharge into waterways during heavy rainfall events. 
  • Natural daylight and expansive glazing: Designed to maximize natural light, reduce the need for artificial lighting, and contribute to more efficient energy management throughout the building. 

Beyond its technical performance, the complex reflects the Ville de Montréal’s vision for ecological transition, inclusion, and universal accessibility. It demonstrates a commitment to creating sustainable public infrastructure that meets today’s needs while preserving resources for future generations.

The architectural contract was awarded to a consortium consisting of HTA (Héloïse Thibodeau Architecte) and Atelier Paul Laurendeau, in collaboration with landscape architecture firm Relief Design and engineering firm CIMA+. The team was selected through a rigorous public procurement process conducted by the City of Montreal, ensuring the highest standards of design excellence, innovation, and sustainability.

Visitors are welcomed by the public artwork Tous les corps ont quelque chose à dire (Every Body Has Something to Say), created by artist Frédéric Laforge. Installed near the complex’s two main entrances, the artwork serves as both a visual landmark and a cultural signature for the site, while also creating a gathering place that reinforces the Aquatic Complex’s role as a hub for community life, discovery, and connection.

Closely tied to the purpose of the facility, the artwork features figures of diverse body types in poses that evoke movement, interaction, and a relationship with water. Through this celebration of bodily diversity, the artist reflects the values of inclusion, accessibility, and respect that guided the design of the complex, while highlighting the wide range of recreational, athletic, and community activities that will take place within its walls.

The artwork was selected through a public competition open to professional artists across Quebec. A seven-member jury composed of visual arts experts, representatives from the borough, the Public Art Bureau, local residents, and members of the project design team evaluated the submissions. Among the 29 proposals received and four finalists selected, Frédéric Laforge’s concept was chosen for its originality and its powerful exploration of body diversity and human experiences, themes that align naturally with the welcoming and inclusive mission of the Pierrefonds-Roxboro Aquatic Complex.

Learn more about the artwork

To ensure a safe, pleasant and respectful experience for all users, the following rules must be observed: 

  • Follow instructions from staff and lifeguards 

  • Respect hygiene and safety rules specific to aquatic facilities 

  • Maintain respectful behaviour toward other users 

  • Nudity is prohibited at all times in shared spaces 

  • Photos and videos are not permitted

Interested in working at the aquatic complex? 

The Pierrefonds‑Roxboro aquatic complex is hiring! We are looking for qualified and dynamic individuals to help operate this major community facility and join our team. 

Explore current job opportunities and learn how to apply.

Modern, accessible and sustainable, the Pierrefonds‑Roxboro aquatic complex is ready to make waves and become a must‑visit destination for the entire community.