New staff, programs next step in Nunavut capital’s aquatic centre

The larger of two fitness rooms at the new centre.

A view of the new lap pool at Iqaluit’s under construction aquatic centre, set to open in January 2017. (PHOTOS BY STEVE DUCHARME)

As workers continue to build Iqaluit’s new aquatic centre, now more than halfway complete, city officials are laying out staffing and programming plans for the new facility.

The city’s recreation director, Amy Elgersma, says staffing and program logistics for the aquatic centre remain in the preliminary stages.

But she confirmed the city has made early moves to prepare for the grand opening.

That opening date is tentatively scheduled to take place in January, according to project mangers.

City council passed a motion June 28 that sets aside money for an “aquatic centre wellness coordinator” at the facility who will oversee development of the fitness schedule and programs.

Along with scheduling regular recreation programs, the coordinator will “work in areas of addiction, diabetes, tobacco reduction and prenatal help,” according to the job description provided to city councillors.

That position’s salary is budgeted at $30,000, paid over a 40-week term.

So what’s in store for Iqalungmiut when the doors open?

Elgersma recently took Nunatsiaq News on a tour of the facility, and spoke about some of the options available for visitors.

Many the new programs will make use of modern fitness rooms being constructed adjacent to the main pool area.

Atii Fitness, currently operating in a building near Iqaluit’s airport, will move into the larger fitness room when construction is completed.

“They’re actually going to close down [the old facility] and they’re coming over here,” Elgersma said, adding that the city will be in close partnership with Atii once they move in.

“The big draw is the hours. When we did our consultations with the public, we heard that people really wanted longer hours… the centre here will be open from the morning all the way into the evening.”

Elgersma said the city is purchasing new equipment for use alongside Atii’s existing equipment, as the fitness room boasts expanded square-footage over Atii’s current facility.

Another room will remain empty for group classes, also scheduled through the wellness coordinator, but the city may consider renting the room our to private instructors as well.

While much of the staffing has yet to be decided, Elgersma confirmed the city will give priority to local hiring.

Last year, the city completed a partnership with Ottawa’s recreation department to train 14 Iqaluit youth in Bronze Cross and Bronze Medallion, two programs necessary for lifeguard certification.

According to the most recent project milestones provided to city council June 28, contractors expect the exterior of the building to be completed in August.

As evident from the recent tour, construction teams have nearly completed tiling the aquatic centre’s two main pools — a deeper lap pool and a wading area.

Elgersma says the deeper pool will be fitted with a diving board, as well as a “Tarzan rope” for the cannonball-inclined.

Workers have started to floor and paint other areas of the centre, which includes an elders room, confectionary, sauna, change rooms and a fitness facility.

From there, the facility will undergo inspection and testing, with a tentative date to hand the keys over Nov. 23.

A view of the wading pool with the lap pool beyond.