How has the Canada Games Complex changed in 35 years?

The Canada Games Complex in Thunder Bay, Ont. has seen a number of changes to its facilities and layout over the decades since it first opened its doors to host the 1981 Canada Summer Games.

Donna Perrault, the facility's supervisor of aquatics and wellness, has seen almost all of them.

"Over the years, we've had to change and adapt for the different programming that we offer," she said. "We've done lots of changes over the years."

The complex is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year; in addition, CBC Thunder Bay will broadcast live from the complex Monday morning with Lisa Laco and the rest of the Superior Morning crew.

One area in the complex that was quickly repurposed after the Canada games were finished was the space that now serves as the running track that overlooks the pool. Perrault said that wasn't originally designed for running and jogging which explains why it doesn't make a complete loop.

"When it was first built, that was only a path to get to the bleachers to watch the events," she explained. "Lots of people wonder why our track doesn't go in a full circle, that is why."

"We just made use of that space."

Just down the hallway from the front foyer which has seen its own share of reconfigurations is a space that used to hold a number of squash and racquetball courts. With the overall decline in popularity of those sports, Perrault said they were converted into a gym area, with exercise equipment.

"We had a very small weight room so we repurposed the racquetball courts into a much larger weight room space."

The pool area, including the deck arguably the main reason people go to the complex has also seen a number of changes. Aside from things like modern lighting and cosmetic touches, like new paint jobs, its layout has also been reconfigured.

One of the earliest modifications was the installation of the 73 metre-long 'Thunderslide,' which starts from the 10 metre diving tower. Perrault said she can't remember exactly when it was put in, but it was early on in the complex's life.

The decks themselves have also seen additions, like more accessible shower and changing facilities, in order to accommodate people with disabilities, she said.

"I think we're just much more aware of making sure our facilities are accessible to all people, and that was certainly an area that we had to find a way to improve on."

More renovations planned

Work is expected to continue at the complex over the coming years, Perrault said, including plans to have more facilities poolside, like saunas, whirlpools and a family spa.

Construction was supposed to start this year, she said, but municipal budget constraints have shelved it for now.

"We certainly hope that it will still get off the ground," she said. "But that's the one major project that we have [on] our back burner right now."

Perrault said how long it remains on the back burner depends on what the city budget looks like going forward.