An update on the status of the aquatic centre brought good and bad news.

If you are counting down the days until the new pool opens, you will be happy to know construction is now complete. If you were hoping to dive in on July 17, you may have to wait a little longer.

Suzanne Gaida, TOC Senior Manager, Community Services, provided council with another update in chambers last evening (June 26). "All rails are in, construction is complete. Now we are into the filling and the piece around the water and water balancing."

The lap pool will be filled sometime today (June 27) with circulation beginning tomorrow (June 28) with chemicals being added next week if circulation goes well. The leisure pool will also see circulation next week while the hot tub and warm water therapy pool are facing their final inspections over the next couple days. Even though good progress has been made, Gaida, shares there is reluctance to nail down July 17 as an opening day. "There is a lot of things that can still happen with what is going on downstairs. We have a contingency plan in place for lessons already, all swim lessons will be accommodated at the Big Hill Leisure Pool and can be accommodated."

While the timeline is a continually changing, Gaida, says they are not planning to be open to the public on the 17th at this point in time. "I am sure not what everybody (council) wanted to hear but I am confident that the construction is complete and this piece is the important part...balancing the water and making sure it is safe."

Alberta Heath Services will also need to approve a water sample which Gaida is hoping to submit the week of the 10th as well as finish off facility training for lifeguards.

Lessons at the new pool will be reviewed on a week by week basis and registrants will be notified if changes are made.

Gaida also shared the the operating and funding agreement were complete and signed off by the county and Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre board last week.