DEH GAH GOT'IE KOE/FORT PROVIDENCE
Fort Providence residents are making up for lost time with the community swimming pool.

Approximately 60 people tested the water in the Fort Providence community swimming pool during its grand re-opening on July 1. The pool had been closed for three summers due to mould and ventilation issues. - photo courtesy of Nicholas Richard

The hamlet celebrated the grand re-opening of the pool on July 1. Since then, the pool has been in almost constant use.

"It's been pretty full every day," said Nicholas Richard, the hamlet's recreation co-ordinator.

The hamlet council is very happy to have been able to re-open the pool, said Fort Providence Mayor Tina Gargan. The pool was closed for three summers after the facility's original inadequate ventilation system allowed mould to grow in the building.

The mould was removed along with all of the flooring and some of the wall components. The ventilation and mechanical systems were also upgraded.

"It's almost like a whole new pool," said Gargan.

Gargan made some short remarks on Canada Day before the pool was open to the public. Approximately 60 people swam in the pool that day. Others stayed outside and ate slices of the celebratory cake.

"I think they are very, very happy just as we are," Gargan said about community members.

Many have been concerned about children swimming in the Mackenzie River and hopefully now that the pool is open they will choose to use the facility instead, she said. During her speech Gargan thanked a number of people who worked alongside the hamlet council to get the pool re-opened, including the hamlet's senior administrative officer Susan Chrisite.

Richard and the pool staff are working to ensure Fort Providence residents get the greatest possible benefit from the pool. The schedule for July has the facility open every weekday from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. with only a few breaks and on Saturdays from 1 to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 2 to 8 p.m.

Gargan said she's happy with the late night public swims on Saturdays. It gives the youth a healthy place to go, she said.

"It shows that we have a staff that is dedicated," said Gargan.

Swimming lessons are starting this week. There are six levels of swimming lessons for youth ages five and older. There will also be parent and tot lessons, preschool lessons and lessons for adult swimmers.

Staff including Emmanuel Belgrave, the pool supervisor, and Christina Bonnetrouge and Adeline Landry, local lifeguards, will also be running a junior lifeguard club for ages 10 to 15. During the free club, youth practice skills that they could use in the future if they become lifeguards, said Richard.

Although it's been three years since many Fort Providence youth have participated in a swim meet, the pool will also be hosting a meet from July 15 to 16.

The focus will be on fun and activities will include water polo, relays and activities in the pool as well as a few traditional swim races, said Richard.

All of the communities in the Deh Cho as well as some in the South Slave have been invited to the meet.