LAC LA BICHE – The wait is over. Lac La Biche County officially celebrated the grand opening of its new IPC Aquatics Centre on Friday, October 16, marking the completion of a major recreational development at the Bold Centre.

The project, which began its progressive design-build process in 2023, brings a new swimming and recreation facility to the community, complete with a lazy river, waterslide, six-lane competition pool, teaching and leisure pool, two hot tubs and an outdoor patio and hot tub.

The opening ceremony brought together government officials, project partners and representatives from International Petroleum Corporation (IPC), the facility’s naming sponsor.

The public grand opening was scheduled for Saturday, October 17, alongside the Bold Centre’s 15th anniversary celebrations and annual Bold Free Day.

A project years in the making

Plans for a new aquatic facility have been part of Lac La Biche County’s long-term recreation vision for several years.

In 2018, the County submitted an expression of interest through the federal Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).

By 2020, the County had received approval for $6 million in federal funding through the program’s Rural and Northern Communities Stream.

To meet funding requirements, the County proposed using $9 million from Alberta’s Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI). Alberta’s Minister of Municipal Affairs, Dan Williams, confirmed the province ultimately provided more than $9 million in MSI funding toward the facility.

The October 16 release does not provide a final total construction cost.

Investment in recreation and community growth

Lac La Biche County Mayor Paul Reutov said the opening represents another step in the County’s efforts to expand local amenities and attract families and investment.

“The opening of the IPC Aquatics Centre represents another major step forward in Lac La Biche County’s commitment to building a strong, vibrant and growing community,” said Reutov.

He also acknowledged the contributions of federal and provincial funding partners, previous and current councils, County administration and contractors involved in bringing the project to completion.

Federal Minister Eleanor Olszewski congratulated the project partners, saying the facility will provide residents of all ages with access to modern recreational opportunities.

Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams also welcomed the opening.

“The new aquatics centre offers a unique, family-focused facility that will benefit Lac La Biche for generations to come,” said Williams.

IPC partnership recognized

International Petroleum Corporation secured the naming rights to the new facility, which will be known as the IPC Aquatics Centre.

Travis Henson, Project Director for IPC Canada, said the company’s involvement reflects its connection to the community.

“Supporting this facility is about investing in the community and the people who call it home,” Henson said.

“The IPC Aquatics Centre is something the entire community can be proud of, and we’re excited to see it bring families together, keep people active, and serve the community for many years to come.”

The new facility was designed with input gathered through public engagement and will accommodate recreational swimming, fitness programming, swimming lessons and competitive swimming opportunities.

The opening also adds another major amenity to the Bold Centre, which celebrates 15 years of operation in 2026.