Image Credit: SUBMITTED/B.C. Government December 30, 2020 - 1:47 PM Renovations are nearly complete at the Canada Games Aquatic Centre at the Tournament Capital Centre and swimmers will be welcomed back in the new year. On Saturday, Jan. 2, the pool will reopen for public swim lessons and competitive swim clubs before opening to the general public on Friday, Jan. 15, according to the City of Kamloops in a press release. The purpose of the renovations was to replace several critical infrastructure components of the facility including the roof and walls of the pool building, the boilers, and the mechanical, electrical, and HVAC systems. The project also included LED lighting and more energy-efficient hot tubs, sauna, and steam room, according to the City.
Demolition for the $13.5-million project began in May 2020, nearly two months ahead of schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The city bumped its timeline on account of swim meets being cancelled. Initially, the city was planning to start the project at the end of June, working it around competitive swimming. That final meet in late June, however, was cancelled, swept up in myriad event cancellations resulting from the novel coronavirus outbreak. The project included replacing the mechanical, electrical and HVAC systems, replacing boilers with energy-efficiency options, repainting interior pool walls and ceiling, offices and other space, constructing a new entrance to improve accessibility and security, replacing and modernizing change rooms and common areas, replacing the hot tub, sauna and steam room with energy-efficient options and safety improvements. The general contractor is Chandos Construction and the project iwas being funded through debt ($6.2 million), reserves ($4.3 mill