College gym closes as construction commences

Construction is underway on the gymnasium inside Swift Current's Great Plains College.

The gym was closed on May 1 following exams to allow for the upgrades which have been two years in the making.

Great Plains College will use the $200,000 they secured from the province in 2022 for repairs to the roof and floor, electrical work, stabilize the brick pilasters, and a new sound system.

"We're looking forward to it and it's going to serve all of us much better," Great Plains College President and CEO Brad Mahon said. "When you come into the gym, it's not going to look transformationally different but we will have made those important improvements to the structure."

Saskatoon's JSP Engineering was hired as the project manager in the fall of 2022 and completed the initial structural and electrical assessment in December 2022. 

The college and province constructed a plan for the renovations in the spring of 2023 with work being carried out in 2023 and 2024.

Swift Current's Jet Construction was hired recently as the contractor and aims to be completed by August 9.

"It takes a little bit of time to go through the process and the procurement process, to find a project manager, to come up with a plan, and then go through the process of finding someone who's going to do the work," he said.

The college uses the multi-purpose gym for sports or intramurals, exams, and staff and students. Swift Current Little Theatre, Sundogs Volleyball, and Swift Current Minor Soccer Association also use the facility. 

Carhartts & Caviar Welding Showcase and Chamber on Tap are a few of the events that utilize the space.

"We feel like the space is there for the community to use," he said. "I drive by the gym some evenings and on weekends and see all these cars and I wonder to myself what's going on in the gym but ultimately I'm just thrilled our community is using it."