Funding such a significant undertaking required a multi-pronged strategy. The City successfully applied to the Government of the Northwest Territories for a $12.9 million grant under the Build Canada Fund, which required a $4.3 million municipal contribution. Additional funding came from the GNWT’s Greenhouse Gas Funding Program and a public referendum to borrow $10 million. “The remaining funds were comprised of Formula Funding, Gas Tax Rebate and Reserves,” White explained.
The project was guided through multiple phases of planning and consultation, with Stantec assisting in the initial community engagement. Taylor Architect Group developed the concept design, while Colliers Project Leaders served as project managers. Ultimately, Clark Builders was selected as the design-builder. “Taylor Architect Group remained on the project throughout as the City’s representative to provide key architectural and engineering input and advice,” said White.
The finished facility represents a leap forward for Yellowknife. While the old pool offered five lanes and limited amenities, the new Aquatic Centre features a three-lane leisure pool, an eight-lane lap pool, therapy pool, lazy river, splash pad, steam room, large waterslide, diving boards, multipurpose rooms, and revenue-generating lease spaces. Indigenous art and design flow throughout the building, connecting the space to the community’s cultural roots.
For youth, seniors, and athletes alike, the new centre brings opportunities that were previously out of reach. “The 25 meter 8 lane pool includes key components for a successful meet that includes touch pads and a large format score clock tied to the starting/timing system. The Aquatic Centre exceeds the RIMP in these capacities which now provides the opportunity for the Polar Bear Swim Club to host larger regional events,” White said. Seniors and youth were directly represented in the advisory process, ensuring that the facility’s features address their needs.
Building such a large facility in the North was not without its challenges. The most significant disruption, however, came in 2023. “The biggest event that affected the project was the 2023 Wildfire Evacuation Order that was issued on August 16, 2023 and lasted approximately 22 days. The impacts to the project were substantial including both schedule and costs,” said White.
Despite these hurdles, the project was delivered, and anticipation built steadily across Yellowknife. “Many were shocked at the magnitude of the building once inside. The open vistas within, the colours and design all garnered many positive comments which continued to this day,” White said of the opening in May 2025.
Looking forward, the aquatic centre is expected to play a central role in the city’s quality of life, complementing existing amenities such as ice surfaces, gymnasiums, climbing walls, and extensive outdoor recreation spaces. “The Aquatic Centre is one of several amenities within the community that enhance the experience of living and being in Yellowknife,” White said. “An abundance of recreation, arts, culture and sporting organization all play a part in providing a great quality of life for these opportunities to those interested in these pursuits.”
To learn more, please visit www.yellowknife.ca/en/getting-active/aquatic-centre.aspx
