North

Iqaluit pool begins to take shape as steel arrives in capital

After weeks of delays, Iqaluit's new aquatic centre will soon begin to take shape, as steel for the project begins to arrive in the community. Iqaluit mayor Mary Wilman says she's still hoping to have the $40M project completed by January of 2017.

Construction begins as materials arrive following months of delays

A construction worker begins work on the new pool next to Iqaluit's Arnaitok Arena. Steel has finally begun arriving in Nunavut's capital for the pool, following weeks of delays. (Kieran Oudshoorn/CBC)

After weeks of delays, Iqaluit's new aquatic centre will soon begin to take shape, as steel for the project begins to arrive in the community. 

The city broke ground on the project in April of 2014, with a goal of completing it by 2016. However, Iqaluit mayor Mary Wilman says she's confident the project can come in near its target deadline.

"As the development progresses they will hopefully be able to catch up," says Wilman. "Our goal is still January 2017 for the completion of the project."

The fully-completed project is expected to cost more than $40 million. To help pay for it, Wilman announced that the city has finalized a $7.5 million load from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, along with a $750,000 grant.

Wilman says the building's frame should be up and weather tight by Christmas, which will allow workers to work on the interior during the rest of the winter.