The City of Kamloops is getting $2.5 million in grant funding for upgrades at the Canada Games Aquatic Centre at the Tournament Capital Centre.

The money will support upgrades to the walls, roof, and windows at the pool as well as the mechanical, electrical, as well as HVAC systems which is expected to increase the facility’s energy efficiency and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

“This is a significant investment in this project, which recognizes our commitment to minimizing our environmental footprint,” said Glen Cheetham, the City’s Sustainability Services Supervisor. “The improvements that have been integrated into this project will help us work towards the goals outlined in the Sustainable Kamloops Plan.”

Work on the $13.5 million project got underway in May, and it is expected to be completed by January 2021.

The city estimates that about 98 per cent of the waste generated during the renovation work – roughly 360,000 lbs – has been diverted and will be recycled at the Kamloops Resource Recovery Centre.

The city’s Recreation supervisor Linda Stride says once renovations are finished on the Canada Games Pool, the Westsyde Pool – which is set to open this month – will be closed in favour of the Canada Games Pool because of COVID-19.