When an aquatic complex in Thompson opens in 2026, it will include a tribute to late MLA Danielle Adams who advocated for the pool and “was all about the kids,” Premier Wab Kinew said Monday.
At a sod-turning ceremony for the long-awaited swimming pool to replace one that closed in 2019, Kinew said its multi-purpose room will be dedicated to Adams. The NDP member for Thompson was killed in a crash on Highway 6 in December 2021.
The former Tory government joined the federal and civic governments to announce plans to build the $15-million pool in 2022 shortly before calling the Thompson byelection to replace Adams.
Danielle Adams, the NDP member for Thompson, was killed in a crash on Highway 6 in December 2021. (Manitoba NDP / The Canadian Press files)
Adams and her successor, NDP MLA Eric Redhead, who emceed the ceremony Monday, both pushed for the pool to get built as soon as possible if and when the New Democrats formed government, the premier said.
The provincial government has since doubled its spending commitment to $10 million for the pool complex that’s expected to cost $42.6 million. The federal government has committed $6 million for the project, while the City of Thompson says it will continue fundraising to help offset the construction price.
“Existing funding will be used to cover initial costs, supported by short-term borrowing, if necessary, with a final borrowing bylaw to cover any remaining costs upon completion of construction,” the city says on its website.
The aquatic facility consists of two tank pools, including one with six lanes and the other built with a shallow end with beach entry and a splash pad, the province said in a news release.
It will also include a sauna and a space for small gatherings and meetings. It is designed not only to meet the current demands for aquatic recreation and swimming instruction, but also to accommodate future growth in the region.
“It’s not just a pool for Thompson… it’s for the North,” said Thompson Mayor Colleen Smook.
“It’s for us as a hub, for everybody to use.”
When the Thompson Community Pool opens, it will give 55,000 people an accessible facility for low-cost recreation, Smook said.
Carol Sanders
Legislature reporter
Carol Sanders is a reporter at the Free Press legislature bureau. The former general assignment reporter and copy editor joined the paper in 1997. Read more about Carol.
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