The Municipality of Jasper is now estimating the Aquatic Centre will reopen to the public in the second week of December.
During the wildfire-related delays to the recreation facility renovations and subsequent cleanup, the pool suffered damage to the basin coating while being pressure washed, causing a delay of two to three weeks.
“We want and need to address this before the facility opens,” CAO Bill Given told council on Tuesday (Nov. 5). “There's a risk that if it did not address, that it could delay us getting health certification for water quality or that the paint chipping over time could also impact the water quality in our certification.”
The municipality has received quotes from contractors and is looking to get several additional quotes. Given noted this work was necessary to avoid having to drain the pool later for repairs.
The opening date will also depend on a successful start-up process, including filling the pool, checking for leaks, starting up mechanical systems, making any necessary repairs and obtaining Public Health approval.
As a silver lining, Given noted the pool would not require an annual shutdown for another 18 months.
Work at the Jasper Arena is still projected to wrap up next month, with the dressing rooms slated for the third week of December. Arena ice is projected for the third week of November.
The Activity Centre previously reopened on Oct. 1, although work is still taking place there until December. According to the municipality, Activity Centre users can expect some construction noise. Fitness Centre users can expect construction noise, and partial access to change rooms, with bathrooms inside.
The renovations aim to fully renovate and modernize Aquatic 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.
Administration previously reported that the budget remains within approved limits, with a forecasted cost of $20,378,245, representing a minor variance of $186,305. Remediation costs for the fire panel and related devices will be covered by the municipality’s insurer.
The project had initially been budgeted at $14 million before final approval, but council had to increase the budget by $6.4 million last year due to inflation.
