WATERLOO – Wilfrid Laurier University will reopen its 50-metre pool on Saturday, Nov. 7 after completing a major $4.2-million renovation project over the past five months. 

The renovations were made possible through generous donations from Laurier students, community users, the provincial and federal governments, and the cities of Waterloo and Kitchener. 

An official opening ceremony for elected representatives, community users, representatives of the donor groups and the public will be held Friday, Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. 

The Region of Waterloo Swim Club (ROW) will host its first swim competition in the renewed facility on Saturday, Nov. 7. The first recreational lane swim will take place Monday, Nov. 9 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and will continue with the daily 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. lane swim. 

The 35-year-old pool is the only 50-metre competitive aquatic facility in Waterloo Region. It is used by many community groups, including ROW, KW Synchronized Swim Club, Waterloo Regional Synchronized Swim Club, and the KW Water Polo Club, as well as high schools, elementary schools and Special Olympics athletes. The pool is also used by many in the Laurier community, including the varsity swim team, intramural participants and recreational swimmers. 

The key elements of the repair project included replacing the aging air-handling and de-humidification system and the curtain wall, repairing pressure-relief valves in the pool and improving mechanical space and interior finishes, including the pool deck, walls, lighting, drains and equipment. In June, the federal and provincial governments announced additional funding to replace the pool’s filtration and chlorination systems, and to carry out additional structural and roofing repairs and improvements.