ItB次元官网网址檚 been over two years since eager residents crowded into LangfordB次元官网网址檚 council chambers to hear the announcement that the City had entered into a partnership to build a new aquatic centre.
The Westhills YMCA/YWCA Langford Aquatic Centre, being built on Langford Parkway, came with a price tag estimated between $25 to $30 million and has been eagerly awaited by West Shore residents.
B次元官网网址淭he building will be finished by February,B次元官网网址� said Greater Victoria YMCA/YWCA CEO Jennie Edgecombe. B次元官网网址淥ur plan is to open in April.B次元官网网址�
She said the delay between the completion date and the opening will be caused by filling the space with everything from equipment to clocks.
While the facility was originally scheduled to be completed by this fall, Edgecombe said that was a very early estimate, adding that construction is on track with the current schedule.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 moving along really well,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淭he waterslides are up now B次元官网网址� The pool is looking great.B次元官网网址�
The aquatic centre will include a lap pool, lazy river, warm water therapy pool and two watersides. There will also be a wave machine and beach entry, and the floor of the therapy pool can be adjusted to different heights for specific groups.
B次元官网网址淭heyB次元官网网址檙e a really efficient use of space,B次元官网网址� Edgecombe said.
The facility will also include a gymnasium, health and fitness facilities, youth centre, a number of multipurpose spaces, child care for those using the facilities and a licensed child care program with space for 36 children, which already has a waiting list.
The childrenB次元官网网址檚 play area will feature a nature playground filled with trees and grass for the children to play on. Edgecombe said this natural environment is great for children to develop their skills in.
Looking over the entire project, she was quite pleased with how itB次元官网网址檚 taking shape. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 been a really great partnership,B次元官网网址� she said.
Langford Mayor Stew Young was on a tour of the project last week when the Gazette tracked him down for an update.
B次元官网网址淭his is the number one thing in Langford that residents are talking about. ItB次元官网网址檚 amazing,B次元官网网址� he said, adding the builders were doing a fantastic job. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a really good community building.B次元官网网址�
Young compared the space to a mall, but instead of shops this complex features a variety of recreation facilities in one spot to meet a number of different needs, making it easy for residents. B次元官网网址淚 think itB次元官网网址檚 the best use of space IB次元官网网址檝e seen,B次元官网网址� he said.
He said the projectB次元官网网址檚 many strengths are products of a wealth of experience contributed by the YMCA.
The facility, a partnership between the City of Langford, Westhills Land Corporation and the YMCA/YWCA, will see the Y operating with a 25-year lease.
But youB次元官网网址檒l have to wait until April to dip your toes into the new pool.
katie@goldstreamgazette.com
