Construction will be starting soon on the new aquatic and wellness centre at Strathcona Gardens.
This week the Strathcona Regional District board approved awarding the construction contract to Heatherbrae Builders. The cost is nearly $70 million, nearly $16 million more than last year’s estimate, and only covers phase one of the rebuild.
The board decided to go ahead with the project, noting that construction costs are escalating across Canada. That will pose challenges when they start phase two, upgrading the ice arenas, which is currently in the design phase.
“The SRD Board is so pleased to move this project forward for the community,” said SRD Board Chair Mark Baker in a statement. “While the cost of phase one has increased since our most recent estimates, we were not prepared to delay improvements to this vital facility and risk even further cost escalation. We are excited to start construction and enhance wellness opportunities for the entire region.”
The new aquatic centre won’t require any additional tax increases; “there is sufficient funding within the current tax requisition and borrowing authority,” according to the regional district.
Construction will start in the coming weeks and will conclude sometime in 2027.
During construction there will be adjustments to parking areas and entrances at the recreation complex. Facility signage will be in place and patrons can stay informed by viewing construction updates and get more information from the official project page.
