The wait is over for Campbell River residents eager to experience the new Strathcona Gardens Aquatic Centre.

The facility welcomes its first pre-registered public swimmers today, with an opening Fun Swim scheduled for 6 p.m.

The new Aquatic Centre includes an eight-lane, 25-metre lap pool featuring a one-metre diving board and climbing wall.

A separate leisure pool offers beach entry, a splash area for young children and a lazy river. The facility also includes dedicated wellness and hot pools, along with improved accessibility and universal change facilities.

The Strathcona Regional District says the centre is intended to serve people of different ages and abilities, providing opportunities for recreational and competitive swimming, rehabilitation, fitness, therapy and wellness.

It will also provide a place for children to develop potentially lifesaving swimming skills while families stay active and spend time together.

To help residents become familiar with the facility before visiting, the regional district has released a video tour of the new Aquatic Centre.

Public swims must initially be booked in advance while demand remains high. Registration opens eight days before each scheduled session and will continue until swims no longer regularly reach capacity.

The full schedule of pre-registered drop-in swimming begins Monday, November 2. Spaces can be reserved at Strathcona Regional District.

Some sections of the facility are not yet ready. The waterslide, sauna and steam room remain under construction and are expected to open within the next few weeks.

Swimming lessons are scheduled to begin with the winter season in January 2027.