The təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre was awarded a Prix Versailles 2024 World Title Special Prize for an Interior in the Sports category. The recently completed facility in New Westminster is the third Canadian project to earn recognition since the prize was established in 2015 (the others being the Apple Centre in Vancouver and Holt Renfrew in Montreal).

Prix Versailles is a annual series of architectural competitions that recognize “the finest contemporary projects worldwide.” Winners were announced at a ceremony at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on December 2.

The $114-million aquatic and community centre opened in May 2024. Designed by hcma architecture + design, təməsew̓txʷ is the city’s largest capital project to date. The facility, whose name is derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ language, meaning “Sea Otter House”, was also recognized with a World Architecture Festival award for Civic Facilities (Future Projects) in 2021.

“We would like to recognize the City of New Westminster for leading the way and setting a bold, ambitious agenda for this project,” said Paul Fast, principal at hcma architecture + design. “This building creates a new picture of civic life – proud, inspiring and most importantly, one in which everyone in this community can find their place.

“It is a building that works with the land, not against it, and acknowledges the role that design can play in the work of reconciliation. Architecture that is founded on these principles achieves a beauty that is not just skin deep, but lasting, just and equitable. We are grateful for the support of the project manager, the entire design team and the contractor in bringing this vision to life.”

The facility has been earning accolades all year, recently achieving a Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certified Gold rating under the RHF Accessibility Certification program.