We began work on the Jasper Activity Centre (JAC) in 2023, which was a $20.4M renovation, touching the aquatic centre, curling lounge, community spaces, the arena, and all the building’s electrical.
The JAC dates back to 1948, when Parks Canada built a 50-metre outdoor swimming pool. It has since expanded to include squash and tennis courts, a curling rink and lounge, multi-purpose spaces, the arena, a fitness centre and more.
– Anthony Papaianni, our project manager for the JAC renovation.
With this space being so important to the community, it was important to get it right – on time, and on budget.
“The whole community was really on top of this, because they’ve had bad experiences in the past,” said Anthony.
And so, we did it right – on time, and on budget – which wasn’t easy, considering the wildfire that halted construction, and boulders that appeared when we dug out the elevator (to name just a couple of the obstacles we encountered).
“We got back to get it done as fast as we could after the fire. The people of Jasper needed something to do activities in.”
And Carlson’s efforts were noticed and appreciated. In a Jasper Fitzhugh article, Christopher Read, the director of community engagement for the Municipality of Jasper was quoted talking about the relationship with Carlson:
“We’ve been very, very lucky with the creativity and the solution-focused [attitude] from our side as well as their side, and it’s been a real partnership. The budget is on track, probably to the dollar.”
These are all things we strive for at Carlson – building projects in partnership with our clients, to ensure they are getting the best possible product. As for the people of Jasper…
– Anthony Papaianni, Project Manager, Carlson Construction
Anthony shared that, even though these people lost everything,
they came with a positive attitude every day. His fondness for the people of
Jasper made the end of the project that much sweeter.
“My most proud moment was to turn it over to the public.”
The official grand opening took place in February 2025.
This article is part three of a four-part series, which
profiles some of the Jasper-based Carlson projects that are now open for
business.
Whether your project is large or small, complex or straightforward, we bring decades of experience, care, and craftsmanship to every build.
