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EllisDon & DIALOG awarded contract for New Aquatics Facility slated to open in Fall 2025

Lac La Biche County selected EllisDon & DIALOG as the successful Design-Build team for the new aquatics facility that will become a key feature of the dynamic and growing recreation hub. The Bold Centre New Aquatics Facility project will take a Progressive Design-Build approach and target completion in Fall 2025.

“The New Aquatics Facility adds another dimension to our already impressive centre that will enhance the lifestyle of all members of Lac La Biche County by providing a safe, comfortable and convenient place to meet, stay active and engage with other community members. It will serve everyone, from the very young to our seniors, year-round,” said Mayor Paul Reutov. “This is an exciting time for our County and we are eager for the project to proceed.”

Progressive Design-Build refers to a project delivery model that promotes early collaboration between the owner and a single contracting partner for both design and construction services. Collaboration starts at the outset of a project to help accelerate the schedule, while mitigating cost and scheduling risks. The model arose in Canada in 2020 and quickly gained traction, specifically in more complex projects. This approach enables the owner, design and construction teams to work together to progressively refine the project design to meet project requirements, before negotiating the final contract price and jumping directly into detailed design and construction.  

Geoff Watson, Partner and Principal of Turnbull Construction Project Managers, described, “Our team is thrilled to support Lac La Biche County on the Bold Centre New Aquatics Facility project.” He continued, “The project aligns well with our experience with other municipalities on similar projects, including aquatics facilities, which will benefit Lac La Biche County as we shepherd this project through to completion.” 

EllisDon & DIALOG rose to the top of the list primarily due to their breadth and depth of experience, including iconic projects like the Royal Alberta Museum, the Walterdale Bridge, Calgary Cancer Centre and Vivo for Healthier Generations, a Calgary-based project that includes an expanded aquatic centre, an expanded fitness centre, an indoor park, and a living lab space simulating real-life environments, among other features. 

“The Bold Centre New Aquatics Facility represents a significant project for our firm. We look forward to a strong collaboration with Lac La Biche County and Turnbull Construction Project Managers throughout this vital project for the residents of Lac La Biche County and the region; we are eager to start the next phase of this project and deliver this fantastic facility to the community,” said Chris Lane, Senior Vice President, EllisDon. 

As part of its ongoing commitment to community engagement, Lac La Biche County completed feasibility studies and community consultation to gain input, ideas and feedback from residents and community members to guide and shape the project from its inception in 2021. The overall estimated budget for the project is $27 million, which includes a provincial grant of $9 million, a federal grant of $6 million and a County commitment of $12 million.

The Bold Centre New Aquatics Facility

The Bold Centre New Aquatics Facility is a multi-feature project that includes dynamic elements like a teaching and leisure pool, a competitive six lane 25m pool, and a lazy river, among other amenities. This highlight of the Bold Centre will showcase the facility as a destination that attracts new residents and visitors, keeps families in the County, offers a broad range of opportunities for fitness, leisure and competitive enthusiasts, and supports the community’s growth and sustainability. Slated for completion in fall 2025, the overall estimated project budget is $27 million. 

Lac La Biche County

Lac La Biche County is a diverse, healthy and safe community with engaged citizens who enjoy enhanced social and recreational amenities. The County is both economically resilient with investments in top-quality infrastructure and services, and environmentally responsible as stewards who promote and protect the area’s natural assets. Lac La Biche County is the destination choice of northern Alberta.

Turnbull Construction Project Managers

Turnbull Construction Project Managers Ltd. (TCPM) provides professional project management services to private and public sector clients on commercial and residential construction projects. In operation since 1998, TCPM supports clients with all aspects of project planning, design, construction, commissioning and move-in while always balancing the project functional and quality requirements with the restraints of the project budget and schedule.


This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta.