LAC LA BICHE –The wait is almost over. Lac La Biche County has announced the new IPC Aquatics Centre will officially open to the public on Saturday, Oct. 17.

The opening will be part of a big weekend at the Bold Centre, combining the long-awaited debut of the new aquatic facility with the Bold Centre’s 15th anniversary and annual Bold Free Day.

A private grand opening ceremony will take place Friday, Oct. 16, featuring a ribbon cutting, government officials and recognition of project sponsors.

Then on Saturday, Oct. 17, the doors will open to everyone for the public grand opening of the IPC Aquatics Centre.

The County says it will release a detailed schedule of events, along with information about pool schedules and programming, closer to opening day.

Years of construction coming to an end

The opening will mark the completion of one of Lac La Biche County’s largest recreation projects in recent years.

Construction has been underway since 2024, with major work continuing throughout 2025 and 2026 to build the new facility as an addition to the Bold Centre.

The IPC Aquatics Centre was designed following community consultation and includes a lazy river, teaching and leisure pool, six-lane competition pool, waterslide, two hot tubs and an outdoor patio and hot tub.

Earlier this year, the County reported crews were completing pool testing, mechanical and electrical work, tiling, painting, ceilings and other interior finishes as the project moved toward commissioning.

International Petroleum Corporation was announced as the facility’s primary naming-rights sponsor in 2026. The company is also developing its Blackrod project north of Wandering River along Highway 63.

Celebrating 15 years of the Bold Centre

The opening will also give Lac La Biche County another milestone to celebrate.

The Bold Centre is marking its 15th anniversary, and Saturday’s celebration will coincide with the County’s annual Bold Free Day.

The recreation complex has grown considerably since opening, and the new Aquatics Centre represents another major expansion of the facility.

For residents who have been following the pool’s construction over the past two years, Oct. 17 will be the first opportunity to get inside and experience it for themselves.

More details on the public grand opening and Bold Free Day activities are expected soon.