The major retrofit and expansion of the Cowichan Aquatic Centre is complete.
The $2.8-million project, which began in June, involved significant improvements to the facility, including an expansion of the competitive pool deck, gym, group fitness rooms, and spin room, as well as new folding bleachers and private spaces for fitness consultations.
Now more than 11 years old, the facility’s popularity meant it needed the expansion to meet the growing needs of the children, youth, adults, and seniors that use the facility on a daily basis.
RELATED STORY: COWICHAN AQUATIC CENTRE TO UNDERGO MAJOR REFIT
Since the facility opened in 2008, its swim club has expanded significantly, outgrowing the very limited space on the pool deck where warm-ups, cool-downs and training occur.
In addition, the fitness and wellness portion of the building was overcrowded and unable to expand its programming.
The expansion at the centre, co-owned by the Municipality of North Cowichan and the City of Duncan, required that the CAC close the second floor of the building for a number of months and to close the entire building for approximately six weeks during the construction work before it re-opened to the public in October.
RELATED STORY: MAJOR RETROFIT WILL SHUT DOWN COWICHAN AQUATIC CENTRE FOR PART OF 2020
Major funding for the project came from a $2.4-million grant from the Federal Gas Tax Fund.
“We are so excited that this construction is now fully complete,” said North Cowichan Mayor Al Siebring.
“This well-loved facility has the extra room to accommodate more users and groups so that even more folks can come together in pursuit of health and wellness. In addition, the expansion of the deck and user group space will allow us to bid on more competitive opportunities and enhance our ability to attract more sports tourism.”
robert.barron@cowichanvalleycitizen.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter