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Physical health is better apprciated when a person feels good
mentally, and in an isolated village like Lax Kw'alaams, where shops
are few and places like movie theatres and bowlings alleys don't
exist, the Leisure Centre provides activities for the wellbeing of
body and soul.
Carol Knott, Sandry Gaudry, Barb Wesley, Samantha Barton, Roxy
Henry, and Paula Russell are some of the first faces visitors will
meet in the lobby, behind the front counter.
"When I first moved here I didn't know anybody; now I'm on a
first-name basis", Carol Knott said, noting that she's seeing
changes in people.
"There's a change in their attitude and their energy level.
I think their self-esteem has jumped quite a bit because now they
have things they're looking forward to: the pool and fitness centre
and you can't forget the gym, where the children are having
activities."
Across the lobby is the Elders Lodge, where repatriated Tsimshian
totem poles grace the walls. Manny Henry likes to cook and he
does it for free in the Lodge. As a volunteer, he sets his own
hours but he's there most afternoons, selling food to raise money
for the local elders' association. The food, hot drinks and
pop give people, especially the elders, a reason to sit down and
visit, he said.
"A lot want a place to hang out and that's what it's for, just to
come together and have coffee and yap and reminisce on their part of
life. That's important.".
On the other side of the lobby is the swimming pool, complete
with a three-storey water slide. Local scenery has been
recreated inside, with airbrushed paintings on the walls and natural
looking rocks and trees surrounding the Lazy River and hot tub.
Pool programs for all age groups are helping people get comfortable
in the water and challenging them to improve their swimming
skills.
"It's been harder to get the adults interested because it takes a
great deal of courage, especially if they have no previous
experience," said Melissa Goddard, Aquatics Supervisor.
"We're teaching them all the strokes and we see an improvement
almost daily, because they are so committed to learning."
The most recent part of the centre to open is the fitness room.
It has become a place of success stories and personal challenges.
Marissa Latimer is a regular. "I feel better," she said.
"I beat the aches and pains."
Latimer says she no longer needs medication for her arthritis or
asthma and the regular workouts control her blood sugar levels. | 
