Green water or not, all signs are pointing to Sunday as the official opening day of the Jayman Built Aquatic Centre to the public.
“The pool is still green … it’s metals and minerals reacting in the water,” explained the town’s CAO Suzanne Gaida.
She said the water is safe to swim in, Alberta Health Services (AHS) has given its approvals and staff are hopeful to get final sign-off today from AHS.
Proving waters remain calm, swimming lessons are anticipated to start up by Monday, with the adjacent outdoor splash park to open in conjunction; Big Hill Leisure Pool will have limited hours this week.
“People will need to be patient,” laughed Gaida, with reference to the anticipated busyness for the initial weeks of the facility being open.
This week, around 60 lifeguards – many of whom are new hires – were making waves at the new facility as part of their week-long on-site facility training.
“All staff have been working hard to complete lifeguard school, which includes six training modules, in order to make the facility fun and safe for the public. Staff are feeling anxious and excited all at the same time,” said John Napier, aquatic facility manager.