GANDER, N.L.
Tim Rowsell, head coach of the Gander Lakers Swim Club, is pleased to see upgrades coming to the Gander Arts and Culture Centre swimming pool. And he’s hoping it can be done without disrupting the club’s training schedule.
The Department of Transportation and Works announced, Nov. 16, a $909,000 plus HST, contract was awarded to LSG Construction to upgrade the pool’s roof and air handling system.
“The upgraded air handling system is designed to manage humidity generated by the pool more effectively,” stated a Transportation and Works press release. “This will reduce the chances of any future deterioration caused by excessive air moisture and result in a more comfortable environment for those using the facility.”
The release also states regularly scheduled pool operations will proceed as normal until the work begins and the upgrades will take place during July and August 2019 to coincide with scheduled pool maintenance.
Rowsell said it’s usually October before training gets underway, so there’s even room for construction delays. However, it could impact the Guppies swim program, which operates a summer club for young swimmers.
“It is a great feeder program for us, and it falls under the guidance of the Lakers executive,” Rowsell said. “Pretty much the summer club will not exist this year, unless we can make arrangements to use the (9 Wing Gander) base pool.”
Rowsell said they were only made aware of the upgrades when the November announcement was made and discussions need to be held on how to proceed with the summer program.
And in the event there are construction setbacks, like in 2016, when the pool was closed into the next year for repairs, options will be weighted.
“We will do our best to make alternate arrangements,” Rowsell said.
This could mean arranging training schedules at the base pool or training out of town if need be.
“It’s better than not being in the water at all,” he said.
