New Aquatics Centre Approved

City Council has passed the final reading of the borrowing bylaw for the new Aquatics Centre at the Dow Centennial Centre. This approval marks the last step required for the project to advance to the detailed design phase, followed by construction.

The new facility will be nearly twice the size of the existing Harbour Pool, with improved accessibility, additional lanes for training and competition, and enhanced leisure water amenities. Designed to meet the needs of residents of all ages and abilities, the centre will support a broader range of aquatic and water safety programs, offer more recreational leisure opportunities, promote health and wellness, and serve as a vibrant hub for families, youth, and community groups.

“Based on the community feedback we’ve received on this project, this is an exciting milestone for our community,” said Brad Babiak, Director of Culture and Recreation. “The new Aquatics Centre will give residents more space, more programs, and more opportunities to enjoy the water, whether they’re learning to swim, training, or spending time with family and friends.”

Mayor Gale Katchur added, “Council’s approval of this bylaw means we can move from vision to reality. This facility will be an investment in the wellbeing of our community for decades to come, and we’re looking forward to seeing it take shape.”

With the borrowing bylaw approved, the City will proceed with detailed design over the coming months. Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2026, with regular updates provided as timelines and project details are confirmed.

Visit fortsask.ca/NewAquaticsFacility for more information on the New Aquatics Facility Project.
 

Fort Saskatchewan, located just 15 minutes northeast of Edmonton along the North Saskatchewan River, is a vibrant hub for economic, recreational, and cultural activities. Nestled in the centre of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland and home to nearly 30,000 residents, the city offers many amenities, including a multi-use fitness facility, an aquatics centre, 80 km of trails, and high-performance arenas and fields. Cultural highlights include a 500-seat performing arts theatre, historic sites, a museum, and a replica of the 1875 Northwest Mounted Police Fort. Fort Saskatchewan is dedicated to fostering an inclusive community, providing a blend of experiences that welcomes everyone.

The city is situated in Treaty 6 Territory and Métis Nation of Alberta District 11. We recognize that we stand upon land that carries the footsteps of many Indigenous Peoples, including the Nehiyawak, Dene, Blackfoot, Saulteaux, Nakota Sioux, and Métis. The City honours the First Peoples of this land and is committed to fostering reconciliation through relationship building, knowledge gathering, and education.