Officials gathered at the site of Kindersley’s new indoor aquatic centre this morning to celebrate the ceremonial turning of sod that signals the start of construction.

The 21,000 ft² facility will boast a Junior Olympics-size 6-lane pool, a 2500 ft² leisure pool, hot tub, 150 ft waterslide, rock climbing wall, party rooms, and outdoor patio, among other features. Construction is scheduled to be complete for the pool to be operational by October 2018.

The aquatic centre will be constructed on the site of the previous swimming pool, which was closed in June 2014 due to structural issues. Portions of the building will be repurposed within the design of the new indoor aquatic centre.

Members of Council were joined by representatives of the design-builders, Pro-Bilt Structures and Western Recreation, members of the Big Dippers Pool Fundraising Committee, Town staff, and other spectators from the community to celebrate the sod-turning.

“We have all been waiting eagerly for this day to come and I’m pleased to see the work beginning for Kindersley’s new indoor pool,” said Mayor Rod Perkins. “This is a community project in every way, and I encourage everyone to work together in making it a success. The coming months will focus on sponsorship and fundraising while construction is underway.”

Approximately $1.1 million is already dedicated in Town reserves for the project. An additional $100,000 to date has been generated through the fundraising efforts of the Big Dippers. Total cost of the indoor aquatic centre is $6.6 million. Information about sponsorship opportunities will be announced shortly.

For more information about this project, visit Kindersley.ca/pool or www.bigdippers.ca.