Upgrades to RECC sauna under way

Sauna lovers take heart – the unit at the Rath-eastlink Community Centre (RECC) is under renovation and is expected to be back in service in coming weeks.

“It’s nice that we will have it back in action,” said general manager Matt Moore, who expects the revamped sauna should be back in operation by or before month’s end.

“From our side of the fence, as operators of the facility, we’re excited because it’s going to be a system that requires much less maintenance, less power,” he said. For sauna users, however, Moore predicted they will have a better experience than before because the new, low-maintenance, dry-heating system

will provide more consistent warmth.

The previous bleacher- style seating is also being changed to one-level which will allow users to be facing each other.

“And it’s going to be designed in a way that we can actually fit more people in there too,” he said.

Other changes include a lowered ceiling and improved insulation in the perimeter walls.

The cost of the upgrades/repairs is $15,000.

“We were pleased to get the support from the municipalities,” he said, of the Town of Truro and County of Colchester, which are responsible for the RECC’S capital costs.

The sauna has been out of commission for several months after the old heating unit broke down. Rather than just replace that unit, however, Moore said officials used it as an opportunity to upgrade to a more efficient, improved operation.

“This will improve the service greatly for our members/ patrons and we expect will lead to increased usage of the unit,” he said.

“Those who have been waiting patiently during this service interruption will be very pleased with the new system. We thank them for their patience and continued support.”