Enbridge makes substantial donation to fund new Agassiz aquatic centre
AGASSIZ — Enbridge has made a five-figure donation towards the remaining fundraising amount of $3.5 million needed to substantially cover the estimated $21 million cost of the forthcoming Lets’emot Regional Aquatic Centre.
According to a news release from the company, Enbridge says the regional aquatic centre has a projected completion by the end of 2025, the target date for the opening of the 30,000-square foot indoor pool facility.
As part of its Fueling Futures program, Enbridge—part of the Agassiz community for almost 70 years—has contributed $50,000 to the Lets’emot Regional Aquatic Centre.
For now, a fundraising billboard illustrating the conceptual image of the regional aquatic center stands on the site where it will be built, adjacent to the existing Community Recreation and Cultural Centre, and on Stó:lō traditional territory—a fitting location since Stó:lō means “people of the river.”
Enbridge says the ambitious indoor pool project still needs about $3.5 million to meet its target construction funding of $21 million. Approximately $16,517,000 has been raised, including $10 million committed from the federal and provincial governments, $6.4 million from the District of Kent, and $117,000 from the community. To further bolster the fundraising efforts, the District of Kent has set up a dedicated page, Jump In and Help Us Fill the Pool!, providing details on various ways to donate.
Meanwhile, details about the project specifications will be released for bidding very soon. The Lets’emot Regional Aquatic Centre has been designed to feature an eight-lane lap pool, a leisure pool, a whirlpool, an activity space and a community room. Once operational, this indoor facility will provide more learning spaces for vital water safety education, for children and adults alike.
It will also usher in additional employment and volunteer opportunities, while filling a void in the community’s access to a nearby indoor pool facility. Currently, the nearest indoor pool to Agassiz is located in Chilliwack, roughly 26 kilometres away — a distance that District of Kent Mayor Sylvia Pranger walked for more than five hours to raise funds for the pool back in April 2023.
The Ferny Coombe Pool, Agassiz’s only pool, is a seasonal outdoor pool built in 1978. Already past its initial life expectancy, it cannot be repaired for any significant structural or mechanical failure, and has recently lost its diving board.
“The District of Kent will be incorporating the concept of ‘Lets’emot’ in its plans for the new indoor pool in the spirit of embracing all neighbouring communities,” said Mayor Pranger. “The Lets’emot Regional Aquatic Centre will be a future hub for recreation and will promote accessibility, inclusion, and social connection, to ensure that everyone feels welcome to use the facility.”