Coming 2026
Updates
Final design is subject to change
Construction Updates
Progress Update
Foundations: complex footings, slab and walls of the pool mechanical basement have been installed, along with associated drainage systems. The final grade beam at the south end of the site has also been installed under winter conditions, in preparation for the erection of the building’s structural steel frame.
Superstructure: structural steel framing for the above-grade building has commenced, marking a major project milestone. Structural framing is now in full swing, with erection starting at the north end of the site near the main entrance, and progressing south to meet the newly installed south grade beam.
Main Entrance Changes: the main (east) entrance to the Bold Centre has now closed. Alternate access is provided through new temporary doors located at the adjacent food court. Construction of an external entry vestibule is underway. Alternate access will be in place until the project is completed in 2026. Access from the west side of the Bold Centre remains open.
Final Phase 2 Contract: the final contract value for Phase 2 – Final Design and Construction contract between EllisDon and the County has been agreed, marking another significant project milestone. This is an important step to help the project stay within its approved $45M budget. Using the Progressive Design-Build delivery method, the project has been able to advance construction approximately 8 months earlier than a traditional Design-Bid-Build delivery method, leading to schedule and cost advantages.
Next Steps: complete the structural steel building frame and decking, before temporarily enclosing and heating the space to allow work to continue inside. With the holiday period approaching, December is expected to be a slightly quieter month, before site productivity ramps up again in the New Year.
Alternate main (east) access through the food court is now in place.
Structural steel framing in progress.
Project Overview
Located at the Bold Centre, the New Aquatics Facility is a multi-feature project designed to meet the needs and priorities of our community. Informed by findings from the public engagement process, the facility will include dynamic elements like a lazy river, teaching and leisure pool, a six-lane competition pool, two waterslides (one large and one for tots), two hot tubs and a outdoor patio and hot tub among other exciting amenities. There will be something for everyone to enjoy throughout the winter and summer months at the Bold Centre.
The project takes a Progressive Design-Build approach and is slated for completion in 2026.
Community Impact
Quality of Life:
The New Aquatics Facility is all about enhancing the quality of life, health and wellness of our community. From fitness programs to leisure opportunities, the New Aquatics Facility at the Bold Centre will provide a safe, comfortable, and convenient place for families, youth, adults and seniors to meet, stay active, and engage with other community members.
Community Health & Wellness:
The New Aquatics Facility will provide residents with easy access to aquatic recreation, leisure and fitness opportunities that can positively impact overall health.
Strengthen our Community:
As an amenity that will attract new residents and visitors to the County, the Bold Centre New Aquatics Facility supports our growth and sustainability as a community and positions Lac La Biche as an athletic hub for sport tourism.
Final design is subject to change
Facility
The images above indicate the general design intent only. Final design is subject to change in response to project requirements.
FAQs
HOW IS THIS FUNDED?
Funding for the New Aquatics Facility includes a provincial grant of $9 million, a federal grant of $6 million and a County commitment of $29.9 million for an overall project budget of $44.9 million.
WHY IS THE AQUATICS FACILITY A GOOD MOVE FOR THE COUNTY?
The Bold Centre New Aquatics Facility will strengthen the community by providing new economic opportunities, enhancing quality of life, and creating new ways to promote health and wellness for all County residents. With the existing Portage Pool approaching the end of its life, aquatics operating costs will decrease with a new, modernized facility and provide more features and services tailored to the needs and priorities of the community.
WHEN WILL THE AQUATICS FACILITY OPEN?
The New Aquatics Facility is planned to open mid 2026. The County is working closely with the project team to review the project and schedule requirements and will keep the community informed as the project progresses.
WHAT WILL THE AQUATICS FACILITY FEATURE?
The approved project budget of $44.9 million includes the following key facility amenities: leisure pool with resort deck, beach entry, fun elements and teaching area; lazy river with engaging, play features; two waterslides (one large and one for tots); 25-metre, six lane competition lap pool with pool deck; diving board; family and adult-only hot tubs; Nordic spa and wellness area; steam room and sauna; and multipurpose space available for bookings.
WHY IS THE NEW DESIGN DIFFERENT FROM THE CONCEPT WE SAW BEFORE?
The concept plan for the New Aquatics Facility was developed based on ideas and input collected from the community in Spring 2021. The concept plan identified a general layout that captured the desired features identified by the community. This general idea has been further developed by the project team in response to a deeper understanding of the project requirements and technical details.
WHAT DOES PROGRESSIVE DESIGN-BUILD MEAN?
Progressive Design-Build refers to a project delivery model that promotes a collaborative approach between the County, design and construction partners who work together from the outset of a project to ‘progress’ to a final design and construction contract price. Key advantages include that it is faster than traditional delivery methods like Design-Bid-Build or Design-Build, and it offers better protection against the typical design, schedule and cost risks encountered on every project.
WHERE IS IT GOING TO BE LOCATED?
The New Aquatics Facility will be attached to the Bold Centre as generally identified in the concept plan, including shared parking and other amenities.
WHAT TYPE OF PROGRAMMING CAN I EXPECT?
Programming will be offered that reflects the needs and priorities of the community. The New Aquatics Facility will offer more programs than the Portage Pool, including the delivery of some new programs.
WILL THERE BE DROP-IN LANE SWIMMING/FITNESS TIME?
Yes, lane swimming will be available at the New Aquatics Facility. The plan is to create a schedule for fitness-focused time that meets these needs of the community.
WHAT IS THE PLAN FOR THE CHANGE ROOMS?
Change rooms have been carefully designed and sized according to community needs and facility requirements. A flexible, modular layout has been provided that offers both traditional gendered and universal design formats.
WILL THE NEW FACILITY BE ABLE TO HOST REGIONAL SWIMMING COMPETITIONS?
Yes, the New Aquatics Facility will be capable of hosting regional swimming competitions. Together with the many other recreational and competitive sporting features of the Bold Centre, it will help position the County as a regional hub for sporting events.
WHAT WILL BE THE ADMISSION COST?
Our primary goal is to ensure that everyone in the community can access the New Aquatics Facility. Accessibility and affordability will be top of mind as the County considers admission and program costs.
WILL THE CONSTRUCTION AFFECT THE HOURS OF OPERATION FOR THE BOLD CENTRE?
Construction of the New Aquatics Facility will be carefully managed to minimize disruptions to the ongoing operation of the Bold Centre, including Public Library and J.A. Williams High School. The team will communicate any required changes to parking or building access as early as possible to decrease the potential impacts on Bold Centre attendees, high school students, library visitors and all staff. We thank you in advance for your patience as we work to complete this incredible project as soon as possible.
HOW DOES THE SIZE OF THE NEW AQUATICS FACILITY COMPARE TO THE EXISTING PORTAGE POOL?
While the design is ongoing and subject to change, the New Aquatics Facility will bring the following larger sizes:
- The new 25m lap pool is approximately 50% larger than the Portage Pool, and includes six swim lanes
- The new leisure pool is approximately 120% larger than the Portage Pool, and includes beach entry, a teaching area and a lazy river
- The three new hot pools are approximately 160% larger (combined) than the Portage Pool and include family, adult and outdoor options
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROJECT? WHERE SHOULD I DIRECT MY QUESTIONS?
For ongoing project updates, please revisit BoldCentreAquatics.com. You can also direct questions by email to [email protected].
Partners
