Portage Pool closes after decades of service, new aquatic facility opens soon

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by Rob McKinley

Monday, Sept. 7 was the last day of swimming at the Portage Pool in Lac La Biche after 34 years of operation. The community swimming pool, which has been adjoined to the Portage College campus building, first opened in 1992.

Six weeks to new pool opening

The new IPC Aquatic Centre at Lac La Biche County‘s Bold Centre will replace Portage Pool. The new facility, complete with a six-lane competition pool, water slide, lazy river and beach-like leisure pool, is slated to have its community grand opening on October 17.

Team of lifeguards standing at poolside, backs to camera, wearing red shirts with LIFEGUARD printed on back.
Portage Pool lifeguards have a final look at the pool after the final public swim on September 7
Indoor swimming pool area with swimmers and a tropical beach mural on the far wall, blue wall pads along beige walls, and a white ceiling structure.
The final day of swimming at Portage Pool had steady activity.
Parking lot in front of a white industrial building with a Portage Pool sign and a Whitecaps Swim Club sign on the wall, several cars visible.
The Portage Pool parking lot was busy with last-day swimmers.

The last day of swimming at Portage Pool was a busy one, as families made a splash one last time in the long-serving facility.

As far as what happens next to the pool building at the Portage College campus? College officials say a facility condition assessment will be conducted to determine the condition for future use. After the assessment, the College will assess space needs to determine future best use.

Video: Farewell Portage Pool – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj8NgwJjv4Q