A look at the newly renovated Canada Games Aquatic Centre

KAMLOOPS — The Canada Games Aquatic Centre in the Tournament Capital Centre will welcome general users Friday (Jan 15).

The centre closed for a $13.5 million infrastructure improvement project in May of 2020. As of Jan. 2, the facility has been open for swimming lessons and competitive swim clubs.

“They were able to use the space ahead of time so we could get our procedures in place and make sure they’re working really well,” said the City’s Aquatics Supervisor Andrew Smeaton.

Improvements have been made to the facility’s mechanical, heating and electrical systems. Among the more noticeable improvements are the new change rooms.

“We have gotten rid of our old men’s change room and women’s change room system style,” Smeaton said. “Everyone has their own individual room. So, if you’re going to be using a shower, if you’re going to use the toilet, you have a solid door in between you and everybody else when you need that privacy.”

Other improvements include a new indoor spray park, new lighting and a new hot tun with a direct access lift.

“People that are in a wheelchair can roll right onto it,” Smeaton said. “They don’t have to transfer to a chair and that makes our whole facility way more inclusive.”

The project began in May, earlier than initially planned.

“Starting a little bit earlier allowed us some flexibility,” said Capital Projects Manager Darren Crundwell. “But it was on time. The budget for the project — $13.5 million for the core scope of the work and we’re under budget. We’re going to be taking a report back to council, so all positive of the schedule and budget side of things.”

The pool will be available for users at a limited capacity. Certain features, such as the sauna, steam room and water slide are closed due to safety concerns.

Users will be required to follow COVID-19 protocols and reserve a time slot online.

“Our registration goes online a week in advance,” Smeaton said. “People registering for this Friday had to register last Saturday. If there’s still spots available people can register right up to the time of the swims, but we need people to book in advance so we know who’s going to be here and we have all the contact tracing and stuff in place.”