Yellowknife’s new aquatic centre to open on May 5

Mark your calendars and get your bathing suits ready. Yellowknife’s new aquatic centre is set to open on May 5.

Grant White, the municipality’s director of community services, announced the opening date during a Monday meeting at City Hall, which made a big splash with councillors.

In a press release on Monday afternoon, issued after this article was initially published, the city said it is planning a grand public opening for the new aquatic centre. The date of that grand opening will be announced at a later date.

The municipality said regular admission will apply on opening day. Registration for spring swimming lessons will open on May 6 at 9am with lessons beginning on May 12.

Yellowknife residents approved the city borrowing up to $10 million to fund the new aquatic centre during a referendum in November 2021.

Construction on the $71.7-million project began in May 2022. While it was initially slated to open in the fall of 2024, the city said that was delayed primarily due to 2023’s wildfire evacuation.

Features of the new aquatic centre include a 25-metre eight-lane lap pool, a 25-metre three-lane leisure pool, a therapy pool, splash pad, two waterslides, steam room, canteen, individual universal change rooms and a patio.

The pool also features tile work designed in collaboration with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation and North Slave Métis Alliance, showcasing floral beadwork motifs and a Métis sash.

The city’s former pool, named after the late Ruth Inch, closed for good at the end of April 13 following a series of farewell events.

How that building will be used in future has yet to be decided, but the city has said it is in good-enough condition to be redeveloped.

The Territorial Action Sports Association is lobbying for the space to be used for an indoor skate park.

The new aquatic centre will be open from 6am until 10pm from Monday to Saturday and from 8am until 10pm on Sundays.

You can find more information on the city’s website.