Design-Build team chosen for new pool construction at Bold Center

Lac La Biche County is moving a step closer to beginning construction work on a new pool.

On Wednesday, the County released information that they chose EllisDon & DIALOG as the design-build team for the $27 million budgeted aquatics facility, which will be built onto the Bold Center, hoped to be finished by the fall of 2025. 

The County says they are using a “Progressive Design-Build approach”, which is using early collaboration between the owner and a single contracting partner for both design and construction services. It’s a new type of construction concept, popularized in 2020. 

“The new aquatics facility adds another dimension to our already impressive centre that will enhance the lifestyle of all members of Lac La Biche County by providing a safe, comfortable and convenient place to meet, stay active and engage with other community members,” said Mayor Paul Reutov in the press release. 

“It will serve everyone, from the very young to our seniors, year round. This is an exciting time for our County and we are eager for the project to proceed.”

The progressive design-build approach enables the owner, design and construction teams to work together to progressively refine the project design to meet project requirements, before negotiating the final contract price and jumping directly into detailed design and construction, the County says. 

Building a new pool became a reality after being granted $6 million in federal dollars and $9 million in provincial dollars in September 2020, from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and Municipal Sustainability Initiative.

The County is then committing $12 million to make the project happen.

The new aquatics facility is slated to have a teaching and leisure pool, a a competitive six lane 25m pool, and a lazy river. 

Turnbull Construction Project Managers has been hired to oversee the project. 

“Our team is thrilled to support Lac La Biche County on the Bold Centre New Aquatics Facility project.” said Geoff Watson, Partner and Principal of Turnbull Construction Project Managers, in the release.

“The project aligns well with our experience with other municipalities on similar projects, including aquatics facilities, which will benefit Lac La Biche County as we shepherd this project through to completion.”  

EllisDon & DIALOG has worked on such builds as the Royal Alberta Museum, the Walterdale Bridge, and Calgary Cancer Centre. 

“The Bold Centre New Aquatics Facility represents a significant project for our firm,” said Chris Lane, Senior Vice President, EllisDon in the press release. “We are eager to start the next phase of this project and deliver this fantastic facility to the community.”