Lac La Biche breaks ground with ceremony for new $44.9M aquatics facility

Shovels are in the dirt, as Lac La Biche County prepares for the massive construction project of the new aquatics facility. Image credit: Lac La Biche County. 

It’s signatory, but it is a visible sign that work is underway to the Bold Center having a major addition.

On Tuesday, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new aquatics facility in Lac La Biche saw County council, Indigenous neighbours, representatives from the provincial and federal governments, and contract partners, come together for the project kickoff.

Site preparation is underway, with the heavy lifting will get going this summer for the two-year build.

“The addition of the New Aquatics Facility [sic] will create even more opportunities for residents to stay healthy and socialize, rounding out the Bold Centre’s world-class offerings,” said Mayor Paul Reutov, Lac La Biche County, in a press release. 

“Unlike other sports facilities, an aquatics facility offers year-round recreation and fitness to all, from our very young to our valued seniors. We will also be able to host high-level aquatics competitions from all over Alberta and beyond. We are proud of the work that we and our partners have put into planning this project, and we cannot wait for it to open.” 

The project is ambitious and includes a teaching and leisure pool, a competitive six-lane 25-metre pool, a waterslide, a lazy river, and an outdoor patio and hot tub, among other amenities. 

Clocking in at $44.9 million, it’s funded through three levels of government. The municipality is on the hook for $29.9M of the cost, while a hair over $6 million comes from the federal Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, and $9 million from Alberta’s Municipal Sustainability Initiative. 

“Our government is committed to supporting strong, sustainable communities where Albertans can enjoy a variety of healthy activities to improve fitness and make social connections. This worthwhile project will deliver just that and it shows how much we can achieve when all levels of government work together to help improve the lives of Albertans,” said Ric McIver, Minister of Municipal Affairs, in a press release. 

A website has been created for updates as construction progresses. You can find it here.