Four months after its closure on January 1, the City of Prince George says its aquatic centre renovation is on schedule and within budget, despite a change in plans after workers found additional water damage, corrosion and mould.

In a report to be presented at the April 27 council meeting, the city explains that testing of the building, both inside and outside, couldn’t be done while the pool was still open to the public last fall.  

Once crews discovered the additional issues, the construction manager informed the city the cost estimate for the $37-million project would now increase. 

However, the city said it was unwilling to allow the project to go over budget and requested its consultant revise plans and specifications to account for the additional work, causing a delay in construction tenders. 

“As a result of this conservative and methodical approach, the Aquatic Centre project is currently projected to be under budget,” wrote Andy Beasly, the city’s director of civic facilities, in his report to council. 

After closing the tender process in February, the city finally signed contracts for construction activities in March. Workers are now demolishing interior finishings in the reception area, washrooms and changerooms, as well as removing and disconnecting mechanical and electrical equipment. 

Despite the tender delays, the city says staff began preparing the building for construction as soon as it was closed to the public in January. 

Three weeks to drain pools

The city says it took three weeks to completely drain the three pools within the Prince George Aquatic Centre. Prior to that, the pool water was super-chlorinated and was run through the pipes, pumps and surge tanks.

In his report, Beasly says significant effort was also required to remove and store all of the furniture and vending machines, and clean out the maintenance materials, spare parts and attic stock. He adds it also included a general purge of miscellaneous items collected over the last 30 years.

He says the entire clean out, packing and relocation took about three months to complete. The renovations are expected to be complete sometime in early 2028. 

In the meantime, all aquatics programs in the city have been directed to the Canfor Leisure Pool which is open with extended hours and increased programming.

Council previously approved spending $36,000 on three new dive platforms for the Canfor Leisure Pool, so it can be used for competitions during the Prince George Aquatic Centre’s closure.