The Nelson and District Aquatic Centre will close for renovations on May 1 and is expected to remain closed for eight months until construction is completed.
“While we had originally planned to begin renovating in April instead of May, the newly elected Regional District of Central Kootenay board and recreation commission required additional time to properly review and approve plans and budgets before the project could start,” said community services manager Joe Chirico.
The commission and board have now approved a $4.92 million budget with borrowing not to exceed $4.5 million for all renovations. The regional district is preparing to release tender documents for contractor bids by mid-February and will select a contractor by early April. All renovations are scheduled to be done by the end of 2015 so pool residents can use the renewed facility in early 2016.
Fixes will include new mechanical systems, electrical panels and equipment, a relocated lifeguard station, new sauna, pool decks, tiles and new water proofing membranes. Renovations will extend the life of the facility by at least another 40 years.
“I’m relieved that construction is going ahead this spring,” said recreation commission chair Ramona Faust. “And like many area residents, I’m not looking forward to having the pool area closed for eight months, but I know this means we’ll all get to enjoy an improved aquatic centre for the next 40 years.”
The Nelson and District Community Complex arena, fitness area, meeting rooms and offices will remain open during renovations. Facility pass holders who have already purchased a pass that expires after May 1 will have the option to receive a pro-rated credit or refund while the aquatic centre is closed. The regional district is in discussions with pool user groups to explore alternatives to the aquatic centre while renovations take place.
The aquatic centre was previously closed for six months in 2013 after some ceiling tiles collapsed.
The work is proceeding following a last-minute compromise hashed out between the City of Nelson and its rural partners over recreation funding that threatened to delay the project.