Sam Ketcham Pool Grand Opening - Dec 14th at 6pm

Joint Release of the Cariboo Regional District/City of Williams Lake:

Editor's Note -- I've been asked by my CRD Colleague, Area 'F' Director Joan Sorley, to participate in the Official Grand Opening Ceremony on her behalf, as this event conflicts with another event she needs to attend on the same night

Newly renovated West Fraser Aquatic Centre
Picture is snapshot of new pool area

The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) and the City of Williams Lake (City) have announced Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017, as the grand opening of the Sam Ketcham Pool at the West Fraser Aquatic Centre. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony that day at 6 p.m., followed by a free swim at 6:30 p.m.

“We encourage the community to come out and celebrate the grand opening with us. We can’t wait to see everyone enjoying this beautiful new upgrade to the Sam Ketcham Pool,” stated Joan Sorley, CRD Electoral Area F Director and SKP Working Group Co-Chair.

Laurie Walters, City of Williams Lake Councillor and SKP Working Group Co-Chair, added, “This has been a long journey from the community consultation process and referendum to hiring the Tango team and waiting eagerly for the renovations to take shape. It truly has been ‘short-term pain for long-term gain’ and I believe we have met the community’s expectations for a high-quality facility.”

Entry to the free swim is by ticket only. Only 350 tickets are available and tickets must be picked up in advance at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex. Tickets are first come, first served, with a maximum of four per person. Tickets will indicate the entry time for the swim; times are staggered to reduce congestion in the change rooms.

Members of the public are also invited to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony at 6 p.m. on Dec. 14. Further, stop by the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex to enter a draw for a one-year pass to the complex.

The completed project includes a new fitness centre, lap tank, swirl pool, steam room and leisure pool. The leisure area features a waterslide, lazy river, tots area, kiddie carwash, teacup fountain, bubble pit, vortex and massage chairs. Phase One of the West Fraser Aquatic Centre opened in August.

The Sam Ketcham Pool upgrade project is a joint initiative of the Cariboo Regional District and City of Williams Lake. Funding partners for the project included Northern Development Initiative Trust, West Fraser Mills and the federal government.

For pool hours, events and programs, find the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex on Facebook. Visit the Cariboo Regional District website at cariboord.ca and the City of Williams Lake site at williamslake.ca for further project information.