Tumbler Ridge Aquatic Centre
Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia

Servicing the swimming requirements of a remote British Columbia town of 3,775 people (in 1990), the Tumbler Ridge Aquatic Centre is a combination leisure and competition pool that became the social nucleus of the community. Constructed as an adjunct to an existing recreation centre, library, and arena, the facility provides a welcome addition to this community located in northeastern British Columbia.

The combination pool, with its four lane, 25 metre competition area and freeform play lagoon, has become the role model for many other smaller community pools. Carefully designed to provide multiple use for all ages and groups, the facility also boasts a conversation pit-style swirlpool set in a grotto, a steam room, sauna, poolside showers, racquetball and squash courts, poolside café, tots' pool, family changing rooms, and poolside fitness area.

The facility is designed to fully accommodate the disabled, from its entrance doors to the access ramp into the play lagoon. Water treatment is carried out utilizing an ozone slip-stream purification system.

With its tropical decor package and attractive colour scheme, the facility offers a welcome respite for this remote mining community during the long, cold, snow-filled winter months. Cockatoos, parrots, toucans, and exotic butterflies nestle among the silk palms and banana trees, while the use of theatrical lighting effects provide an added warmth seldom seen in aquatic facilities.

A fund raising “gift catalog” was utilized by the community to raise more than $250,000 for the facility. The remaining funding was acquired through municipal and provincial government sources.