Councillors and municipal staff checked on the progress of the renovations during a tour on Monday.
The municipality did announce some delays in a Dec. 8 update, such as how the staged re-opening of the Aquatic Centre will not start in early 2024 as anticipated and will instead open during the second quarter.
The delay is due to significant redesign and previously unknown site conditions that required extensive hazardous materials removal.
“We know that residents are eager to get back into the Aquatic Centre, and we apologize for this unanticipated extended closure,” the municipality stated.
As well, the Activity Centre basement and upper Curling Lounge will not reopen in the second quarter 2024, with the anticipated competition date for these areas extended to the third quarter.
The municipality blamed site conditions related to the elevator placement and existing building structure constraints.
Last week saw structural steel installation for the arena extension, subgrade preparation in Aquatic Centre and ongoing underground plumbing in existing arena dressing rooms and Aquatic Centre.
Crews are continuing the structural steel installation this week.
They are also working on Aquatic Centre slab-on-grade (concrete installation) work, subgrade preparation in existing arena dressing rooms, the removal of materials and concrete, and the plumbing rough-in in the Activity Centre basement.
Users should expect some construction noise at the Activity Centre; they can also expect noise and no access to changerooms at the Fitness Centre, but temporary washrooms are available.
“We are and will continue to actively work on prioritizing access for local youth, maintaining safety, and engagement with stakeholders throughout the construction phase,” the municipality added.
With an estimated cost of $20.4 million, the project aims to fully renovate and modernize Aquatics Centre changing areas and fully renovate all existing arena dressing rooms while adding new dressing rooms.
It will also address lifecycle reinvestments in mechanical and electrical systems and improve physical accessibility such as by installing an elevator in the Activity Centre.
Anyone with questions or concerns about the project can fill out a feedback form on the municipality’s website.
Clarification: Council previously approved a $6.4 million increase to the project budget in June before renovations began. The project has since remained within the approved $20.4 million budget.
