What an NCAA rule change might mean for junior hockey in Sask.
Nov 18, 2024
Previously, WHL players were declared ineligible to play NCAA hockey in the U.S.
Saskatoon City Council has unanimously approved a $5,905,000 budget increase for renovations at Harry Bailey Aquatic Centre, for a total budget of $29,982,700.
The centre was built in 1976 and closed its doors for renovations in 2023. Renovations didn’t get off the ground though, after project estimates nearly doubled from $13.5 million in 2019, to more than $24 million.
The lowest, most recent tender also exceeded the city’s capital budget.
During Wednesday’s city council meeting, Ward 2 Councillor Hilary Gough stressed the importance of the renovations finally getting underway.
“We need to keep up momentum on the re-invigoration of our services in core areas where we are not going to be building brand new leisure facilities,” she said.
She added that the scope of work changes that will take place are not what she’d hoped for.
“And I actually don’t think the scope of work that was originally envisioned or that is laid out here was even fully understood by (the) community,” she said. “It’s really disappointing that we haven’t been able to maintain the expansion.”
According to a report presented to councillors, the southwest corner of the building was originally set for expansion to include a graded entrance, new fitness facilities, and a multi-purpose room, which has been cancelled.
The 50-meter pool was also originally slated for demolition and replacement, but will now be patched and waterproofed.
A southeast building addition will not go ahead, and the parking lot will not be upgraded.
HVAC and mechanical upgrades will go ahead using existing pool water treatment systems, there will be new solar power installations, wall and roof fixes, bathroom redesigns, and security and safety enhancements.
About $10 million of the total budget will come from the Federal Government’s “Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program,” while the nearly $6 million budget increase will come from a variety of city reserves.
Construction is expected to get underway on July 1, with the full facility operating by late spring, 2026.