The construction of the roof on the new UBC Aquatic Centre has been completed with the construction estimated to be finished in the late fall of 2016.
As per a Canadian tradition, alumni, coaches and executive from UBC’s swimming program buried five one-dollar Canadian coins (also known as Loonies) in the floor of the new aquatic centre.
High Performance Centre – Vancouver coach Tom Johnson, UBC coach Steve Price, and 2012 Olympian Tera Van Beilen were three of the five to bury a Loonie in the floor of the soon-to-be open facility.
The $39 million facility began construction in August 2014, and will be a state-of-the-art pool capable of hosting international sporting events.
The facility will include a 10-lane 50-metre competition pool, an eight-lane 25-metre pool with diving boards, and a 30-person hot tub. There are plans for both sauna and steam room capabilities to be added, but that will be following the fall 2016 completion.
“The new aquatic facility will not only be the home of the UBC Thunerbirds varsity swimming program, as well as be a great amenity for students, but will also better service the needs of residents and the growing UBC community,” Kavie Toor, Director Facilities & Business Development with UBC Athletics and Recreation said.
UBC is training at the current UBC Aquatic Centre at the present time, gearing up for the CIS Championships at the end of February.
Where are the diving boards?
Can’t wait to swim there. Hey, Canadian Masters Swimming, let’s get your Nationals there in ’17!