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Sylvan Lake’s new rec complex on schedule

Sylvan Lake’s NexSource Centre is on track for a February completion.

Sylvan Lake’s NexSource Centre is on track for completion in February.

But residents will have to wait a few weeks after to give the town time to fill the pool, freeze the rink and bring staff up to speed on their new facility

Since early on, Clark Builders has pegged February as the date they will lay down their hammers on the $33.5-million recreation complex and it is holding up so far, says an update that went to Sylvan Lake town council on Tuesday.

Town communications officer Joanne Gaudet said there was an impression among some in the community that the doors would swing open to the public in February.

So rather than turn away families with skates or towels in hand, the town is getting the word out that late March is likely the soonest the facility will be ready for full use.

Before that “there will be tours and soft launches and give staff an opportunity to use them as training exercises,” she said.

The town is already thinking about a big grand opening. No date has been set yet.

The facility includes a five-sheet curling rink, arena, three-lane running track, seniors centre, children’s play and youth activity centres, meeting rooms and a multi-purpose civic space.

It will also tie into the town’s Aquatic Centre, which has been closed since last spring when corrosion in support columns was detected.

The complex will also be home to the town’s Visitor Information Centre.

An information booth has been located for years next to the library on 50th Ave. It was staffed from the May long weekend to Labour Day weekend.

However, as more people get their tourist information online the booth was outliving its usefulness, says Gaudet. The popular beach ambassador program and online information will continue.

Instead, it has been proposed that tourist information be available year-round at the NexSource Centre.