OLDS — The Olds Aquatic Centre, currently undergoing a $2.7 million upgrade, is now expected to reopen mid-November.
That’s a month later than town officials predicted back in June.
In a mid-October news release, town officials blame the later projected reopening date on supply chain issues and regulatory requirements.
The release said contractors are waiting for delivery of some key equipment, including a heat exchanger for the main pool and pumps for the air handling units.
"Once these pieces arrive, they will need to be installed then connected to be completed. Once this is done, we can begin the process of heating and then balancing the pool,” Parks and Recreation Manager Ken Krueger is quoted as saying.
Once that equipment is installed, the pool has to be inspected by Alberta Health Services (AHS) staff.
“Water quality tests must be submitted and approved by AHS prior to reopening,” the release says.
The Aquatic Centre was shut down during the summer. The work was expected to take 10 weeks to complete.
The project, valued at $2.7 million, is primarily funded by a $2.2 million federal Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) grant, cost-shared on an 80/20 basis.
The town of Olds is contributing $400,000 and Mountain View County is allocating $140,000 for it.
Town officials say it’s expected to result in a 42 per cent saving in energy costs and add 20 years of life to the facility.
In the release, the Town thanks residents for “their understanding” as the project continues.
