After years of planning and construction, the Centennial Pool has officially reopened, welcoming residents back to a renewed facility that will serve the Bella Coola Valley for decades to come.
Originally approved for funding by Northern Development in 2018, the Central Coast Regional District (CCRD) received a $250,000 grant through the Economic Infrastructure program toward the renewal project. The upgraded facility celebrated its grand opening on July 4, 2026, marking the completion of a significant investment in one of the region’s community assets. While visiting Bella Coola later that month, Northern Development staff Wendy Okoye and Jordan Hammond had the opportunity to see the completed project firsthand and the renewed facility already bustling with activity.
Built in 1967, Centennial Pool is located in Hagensborg and is the only public swimming pool in the Central Coast Regional District, also serving Bella Coola, Firvale and Stuie. For decades, it has provided a place for residents to learn to swim, develop lifesaving skills and stay active through public swims, lessons, youth swim clubs and aqua fit programs.
“It is so rewarding to see the Centennial Pool filled with families, children, and community members once again” said Jayme Kennedy, chair and Area C director, CCRD. “While we weren’t able to complete every element of the original vision, we’re incredibly proud of what has been accomplished. The renewed pool is a beautiful, welcoming space that will serve our community for years to come, and it’s wonderful to see it being enjoyed every day. We’re grateful to everyone who helped make this project a reality, and we’re continuing to pursue funding so that, one day, we can complete the vision with the addition of a new tot pool.”
The renewal provided the centre with a fully accessible 25-metre, four-lane pool, accessible hot pool and modern mechanical systems designed to improve energy efficiency and accessibility while supporting the facility for years to come. The expanded building also creates new opportunities for community programming and visitor services, helping Centennial Pool continue serving both residents and visitors alike.
With another summer season now underway, the fresh facility is once again providing a place for people to learn, connect and enjoy one of the Central Coast’s most important amenities.
Photos: CCRD & Northern Development
Learn about the technical expertise required by the construction company for this project: https://www.chandos.com/project/bella-coola-centennial-pool/
Watch and learn about the construction process in a YouTube video produced by the contractor:
