A larger fitness room than first proposed figures in a series of improvements to the Terrace Aquatic Centre decided upon by the City of Terrace and Kitimat-Stikine regional district directors.
From 1,188 square feet, the fitness room will now be approximately 2,000 square feet.
The leisure pool will also increase in size from 850 square feet to 1,200 square feet and include a lazy river feature and a water cannon.
The cost of these and other improvements is set at $4.3 million, made possible by the return by the federal government of gas taxes it has collected.
City officials estimate the rebuild will take approximately eight months beginning Feb. 13, 2017 with the centre closing Feb. 3, 2017 in preparation for the work.
Improvements to the aquatic centre have long been planned by the city and originally the work was to take place in stages starting in 2019.
But the federal grant made it possible for the work to take place all at the same time.
As it is, the city recently rebuilt the aquatic centre's western wall to improve the centre's structural integrity.
Other improvements as part of the rebuild include:
- The configuration of the hot tub will change and all pools will be upgraded with accessibility ramps.
- All pool gutter systems will be upgraded and UV disinfection system added.
- Improvements to the air distribution system in the natatorium will be part of the project.
- Two new boilers are planned and related piping distribution to the main pool is part of the project.
- Stairs to the second level viewing have been repositioned to open the lobby and pool viewing area.
- New tile finishes on the walls and floor of the existing change rooms will be completed.
Although owned by the city, regional district taxpayers in Thornhill and in the rural area surrounding Terrace contribute to its operating costs.