Mayor Greg Dionne noted he cannot wait until the pool area is filled with happy children. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Family activities

‘It’s a legacy that will be with the city forever’: a first look at Prince Albert’s new Aquatic centre

Sep 13, 2024 | 4:00 PM

From the moment, you first walk through the main doors of Prince Albert’s new Aquatics and Recreation Centre, you immediately notice the sheer size of the over 51,000 square foot facility.

On Friday, equipped with hard hats and work boots, representatives from the media and city were given a first hand look. Construction is expected to end either later this year or next year. During the tours, city officials engaged other larger cities to construct their vision for the project, Engineering Services Manager Nykol Miller acknowledged how great it was to see it all come to fruition.

“It’s a legacy that will be with the city forever,” she said.

One of the first attractions that catches your eye is the eight-lane, 25 meter competitive pool that is 12 feet deep and comes equipped with multiple diving boards.

Miller, who helped provide Friday’s tour, noted the adjoining spectator area that will be able to accomodate 200 people. Parents will also have access to a walkway and the natural lighting provided by the windows high above also provide more than enough light to see the entirety of the pool.

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The pool will one day host some major swimming competitions. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

(Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

The wave pool has the abilty to produce two types of waves, both diagnal and parallel (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Noting how fast everything has come together in the last six months, Miller, who has children of her own, acknowledged they would most likely be most excited about the new arena, but added in their younger years would have loved the pool.

“I think both sides are equally exciting for all ages,” she said.

Planning for the project started almost 10 years ago and the total cost project, including the aquatic centre and the two arenas, is expected to be over $100 million. Miller confirmed they are both on track with budget and scheduling.

“We have no concerns with that,” she said.

Another key feature of this pool is the numerous zero entry points which will be welcomed by families with young children. The two winding water slides on the far north side of the facility are 57m and 70m long and will be well used by thrill seekers.

An actual look at what future riders can expect. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

A view of the lazy river. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne, who has also been a part of the project’s planning, noted how well a facility like this is needed given the 500 new professionals coming to the city as part of the hospital expansion.

“People don’t realize if you don’t have amenities in your city, you’re not attracting good people to come and work because they want to have a place where their kids can play,” he explained. “All I can dream of is just seeing it full of kids.”

Dionne also acknowledged the city met with a number different organizations and the work done by the team led by Nykol Miller.

“It was years of consulting and people don’t understand that these projects don’t happen in one or two years.”

Total piping used for the facility is 3.7km. long and all the steel, studs and metal decking are coated with a high performance paint system to ensure a longer life span and protection from corrosion. (Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

Obviously with a facility of this size, the question of staffing comes to mind and communications manager Wilna Furstenberg confirmed the city is looking at a recruitment drive for lifeguards.

The lifeguard station area itself is its own attractions as it will includes a kitchen and bathroom and office space.

Following completion of the facility’s construction, the contractor (Graham construction) will turn the keys over to the city. The official grand opening date has yet to be determined.

In the meantime, the public will have an upcoming opportunity to check out the aquatic centre. On Sunday, Sept, 29 and Sunday, Oct. 6, from 1p.m to 4p.m. The sneak peek tour will be limited to specific areas but the visitors will get a feel for the scale of the facility.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell