Construction underway on Fort Chipewyan aquatic centre
'I would say it's very unique considering our isolation'
The fly-in community of Fort Chipewyan, Alta., is about to get its own pool.
People in the community are now watching the structural steel go up on an indoor aquatic centre, which will include a 50-meter pool, a lazy river, a play pool, and a waterslide. The project is expected to cost between $38 and $40 million.
"I would say it's very unique considering our isolation," said Bruce Inglis, the hamlet manager for Fort Chipewyan.
The community of 1,200 has waited nearly a decade for the facility, Inglis says.
"It's extremely exciting, and a huge project to begin with. There's a lot of anticipation."
Construction began last spring, with most of the supplies coming in over the winter road. Some supplies were also barged in during the summer, including steel and a crane.
According to Inglis, funds set aside in the hamlet's 2014 capital budget, as well as revenues generated by the municipality, will cover the cost.
The pool is set to open in the fall of 2016, which means that staff will need to be trained, something that Inglis says the hamlet is already on top of.
"We don't have a prior background of swimming, and swimming pools," he said. "So, right now, we are beginning training immediately."
Some staff will head to Fort McMurray to be trained as lifeguards and pool attendants. The facility will also require cleaners, maintenance and front desk staff.