Inuvik Family Centre
Inuvik, Northwest Territories

Located in the Arctic, this project represents the first VDA pool built on ice. The project required all the design skills the team had to offer to be completed successfully. Environmental conditions, specifically the permafrost, in Inuvik required that this "in ground" pool be built "above ground". Refrigerated pilings were placed below the building to maintain the permafrost so there would by no movement of the ground under the pool. Other cost/time saving construction methods were used such as pre-formed stainless steel pool liners and and pre-manufactured sandwich panels.

This project was full of firsts for the design team: this is the first VDA pool to use a stainless steel pool liner. The manufacturer of the pool liner, Myrtha Pools, had to create new jigs and templates to accommodate the "curvaceous" design of the pool tank and they will now be able to easily accommodate other VDA pool designs that think outside the "box". It is also the first aquatic centre in Canada to have a displacement ventilation system in the pool hall.

A year-round pool has been a longtime dream for many Inuvik residents. The Family Centre combines the lap and leisure pool as a cost saving measure. However, this facility still has all the features of a larger aquatic facility; waterslide, lazy river, vortex, bubble pit, tots pool, swirlpool, steam room, sauna, sprays, two squash courts, change rooms, and a snack bar and sitting area.

Inuvik was able to provide this high quality facility for their young and growing community through the effort and support of many individuals, organizations, and companies. This community made the dream of an aquatic centre come true partly through the use of a high quality Sponsorship and Gift Book that allowed individuals and corporations to sponsor both large and small features of the facility. Sponsorship opportunities ranged from $100 to $250,000.

The Town of Inuvik should be very proud of their new Family Centre that is truly a community centre; built through the support and efforts of the community.

VDA acted as Specialist Pool Consultant to Wayne Guy Architect.