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Wilkie Pool

Construction on new pool complex in Wilkie underway

Aug 13, 2024 | 2:08 PM

Wilkie is diving into its future.

Groundbreaking and the first steps to the new community pool complex is officially underway following last year’s decision to replace the former pool which stood for nearly 50 years.

“There were some plumbing issues underneath the basin, boiler issues, it was getting tired,” said Mayor David Ziegler.

According to a news release, the building, built by Home Hardware North Battleford, will be 4,000 square feet and will feature a change house, meeting, office and mechanical room.

“The new change house will have a heated floor and it’ll be heated year-round…just to help preserve the building because when a building sits empty during the winter, it’s very hard on it,” he said.

Western Recreation and Development will construct the pool and plan to begin construction on both the basin and technology later this month. Among the pool features include a large deck area, four swimming lanes, and a pool area for young children.

“The community response has been great,” he said.

“Everybody was on pins and needles just waiting for something to happen and once you break ground and equipment is onsite – people really get excited.”

The project which also includes constructing three change rooms (male, female and family) – is expected to be completed and open by next summer.

A mock-up of the new Wilkie Pool. (Western Recreation and Development Rendering)

“I’m actually quite thrilled we’re going ahead with that project and so is the community,” said Ziegler.

“It gives the community a different vibe when something new is being built.”

Funding for the $3 million venture is coming in part from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program grant and through local fundraising through the town, Wilkie Recreation Board and the Wilkie and District Community Foundation.

“We’re looking in the neighbourhood of $700,000 to 800,000 that we have to raise as fundraising,” he said noting a resident donated a Marzorati to be raffled in October.

As the project becomes a community effort, the mayor is encouraged.

“Sometimes you lose a little hope as things go on and then all of a sudden there’s a project like this that happens,” he said.

“It gives you a good feeling again to continue on.”

cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

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