An aquatic destination shaped by nordicity, sustainability, and heritage
The Complexe aquatique de Sorel-Tracy envisions a place of aquatic athleticism and nordic enrichment through architecture, cultural heritage, and community-centred design. Anchored in the civic heart of its city, this complex draws inspiration from the region’s industrial metallurgical legacy and timeless natural surroundings to establish distinctive, multigenerational, and modern sports infrastructure.
Conceived as a four-season facility, the design integrates room for both quiet relaxation and dynamic group activities. The concept revolves around a striking 25-by-25-metre semi-Olympic pool envisioned to accommodate recreational and competitive activities with 10 swimming lanes and a playful perimeter of water features for families. This versatile space is framed by expansive glazing that invites the landscape indoors, connecting swimmers with the site’s natural rhythms of sunlight, weather, and greenery. Complementing the pool, the design incorporates a dry Finnish sauna, flexible multipurpose rooms, and universally accessible changerooms tailored to meet the needs of families and mobility-impaired users.
The architectural language of its form—an earthy base, transparent centre, and metallic volume—reflects a contextually sensitive response. Approaching its forecourt plaza reveals a warm, terracotta-toned base with the appearance of a sculpted plinth emerging from the ground , while the area containing the pool is clad in galvanized steel panels to echo Sorel-Tracy’s steelworking industrial heritage.
This durability is balanced with environmental responsibility to extend its lifespan and minimize its ecological footprint: Sustainable practices such as bird-safe glazing, vegetated roofing, and the optimal use of mass timber, steel, and concrete form the backbone of its environmentally forward approach.
Strategically situated within walking distance of local schools and cultural institutions, the Complexe aquatique de Sorel-Tracy aspires to be a space of both play and pride. With seating for 200 spectators, it is poised to host national tournaments and serve as both a local hub and regional destination. Rooted in a vision of sustainability and inclusion, it looks forward to shaping a vibrant future for the community it serves.
