The Aquatic Centre repairs are progressing well, according to an update from the City of Swift Current.
The facility was closed early this year in May to allow for extensive shoring work, electrical upgrades, and upgrades to the plumbing system. The work was budgeted at $2.1 million.
Melissa Shaw, acting CAO for the City of Swift Current, was able to report that the work is currently only at $1.5 million.
"It's quite a bit under, but again, we're not quite through to the finish line, so we're going to see how this plays out, but we're quite pleased with the project thus far," said Shaw.
The goal is for a reopening of the indoor swimming pool by mid-September, with no confirmed date being set just yet.
The shoring work has been done on the building's foundations, the swimming basins, and the flooring of the walking area around the pools. She noted that they have also made HVAC repairs to the facility.
"We're really excited for the most part; everything ran fairly smoothly. There are no critical hiccups," said Shaw. "We're actually incredibly happy with the timelines, and we're looking at opening here in mid-September."
Should the final project come in under budget, the City will hold a discussion to decide how that remaining money will be utilized.
"I can't quite speak to exactly how those funds will be used," said Shaw. "It's something that administration and Council will continue to work through with the budget process."
These repairs and upgrades are designed to keep the Aquatic Centre operational for roughly three more years. The City will continue to evaluate the building and work to keep it operational.
"We're also going to continue to evaluate what the plausibility of a new facility is," said Shaw. "So definitely not something that we're taking lightly and just throwing money at, as some people think. We are trying to ensure that we have an Aquatic Facility for the community to continue to use while being fiscally responsible and maintaining it."
Costs for swimming at the Aquatic Centre will remain the same once it reopens, and will not be increased due to this work.