Aquatic centre draws 1,500 on weekends
'It's just like we are in Ottawa:' seven-year-old on seeing new city pool
Beth Brown
Northern News Services
Monday, February 20, 2017
IQALUIT
Iqaluit residents are diving in to programs at the city's new aquatic centre, but there is still fine-tuning to be done, city council heard Feb. 14.
Coun. Joanasie Akumalik, reporting for the recreation committee, said feedback has been overwhelming since the facility's opening last month.
"Statistics show during the first weekend there were approximately 4,000 visits," said Akumalik.
"One child, seven years old, was rendered speechless. He later said, 'it's just like we are in Ottawa.'"
The report stated 54 annual passes and 255 monthly passes had been sold.
The number of drop-in visits to the centre has averaged 150 per weekday and 1,500 on the weekend.
At peak times the fitness centre is reported to have 15 to 20 people using the workout facilities. Fitness classes are full and early morning family swim has seen great response.
"One parent said she has no trouble getting the kids out of bed for school if they go to the pool first," said Akumalik.
Even members of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's party visited the aquatic centre while in town.
"The parliamentary secretary said he didn't want to take a picture of the facility because his community back home would be jealous," said Mayor Madeleine Redfern, who added she has been a daily visitor to the new aquatic centre.
But there are still things to be done, reported Akumalik.
Facility access cards are to be implemented in March and electronic registration is being organized.
Users were also requesting more thought be given to details, like installing a clock in the pool area.
Parking has proven a problem for the centre, along with a need for clearer signage.
Temporary crosswalks have been set up to increase safety for heightened foot traffic around the centre since it opened.
Coun. Kuthula Matshaziagreed with the need for careful attention to the new facility as it is in its infancy.
"The aquatic centre is a huge investment. The recreation committee will need to be engaged in much more effective oversight, to make sure that everything is being taken care of," Matshazi said.
As for increased programming, the recreation committee is looking to offer more aquafit classes, kayaking and water polo, and also to develop a swim team.
The first session of swimming lessons will hopefully begin in March. Classes will be offered for both children and adults.
