Kamloops's Canada Games Pool to close for 6 month, $13.5M reno | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Kamloops's Canada Games Pool to close for 6 month, $13.5M reno

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Kamloops city council has voted unanimously in support of a $13.5 million revitalization of the Canada Games Pool in the Tournament Capital Centre.

The project, which will begin on June 29 and is scheduled to be complete by Jan. 2 of 2021, will focus on rebuilding many aspects of the building, such as the roof, walls, water boilers, electrical, mechanical, heating and air conditioning systems, along with a revamp to the change room areas to allow for more accessibility.

The project puts a focus on sustainability, with more energy efficiency through an upgraded sauna, hot tub and steam room.

“The pool was built in the early 90s and it’s showing its age,” said Byron McCorkell, the City’s community and protective services director in a media release. “It’s no different than your house — even with regular maintenance, eventually you will need to replace the roof and put in a new furnace.”

The $13.5 million price tag will cover future costs expected over the next few years and will be potentially lessened with grants, such as $2.5 million from the CleanBC Communities Fund, which staff have applied for.

As the pool will be unavailable for use during construction, the City plans to extend hours at the Brock and Westsyde community pools. Swim teams and events will also be impacted by the change, such as the Canada 55+ Games which are coming to Kamloops in August.

“The project team has looked at every possible option for keeping the pool open, but this project involves literally removing the entire roof of the building,” McCorkell said. “It would be impossible to maintain any kind of public access with this level of construction.”

“We recognize the impact this closure will have on the community, especially our local competitive swim organizations,” said Andrew Smeaton, aquatics supervisor in the release. “We are working hard to meet the community needs through expanded hours at Brock and Westsyde and are developing schedules that will maximize access to these facilities for as many people as possible.”

The remainder of the TCC will remain open during the construction period, although Hillside Stadium will be closed in June for one month as new turf is installed.

Those who have memberships to the pool will have the cost of the membership refunded onto their PerfectMind account, can be refunded directly, or use the money for other recreational programs, gym and track passes or is used at another facility, the City said.

“We’re excited for all the improvements this project will bring to this facility, particularly with regard to its sustainability and accessibility,” McCorkell said. “The pool is incredibly well-used by the community, and this project will extend its life by another 30 years.”


To contact a reporter for this story, email Jenna Wheeler or call (250) 819-6089 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

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