Innisfail town council has dived into an aquatic centre modernization project.
Council decided earlier this year to go ahead with an upgrade to the 38-year-old facility – estimated to cost around $12 million – after the cost of a new facility was pegged at $30 million, a price tag driven higher by supply chain issues. The modernization project was given the green light on April 14.
“Over the past five to six years, we have considered several options, including modernizing the existing facility, expanding the footprint of the existing facility, or building a new aquatic centre on the arena site,” said Innisfail Mayor Jean Barclay.
“In the end, the only pragmatic solution was to modernize the existing facility. We realize how important our aquatic centre is to Innisfail and area residents and we acknowledge the closure over nine months will be difficult for our users. But we are at the point where we need to advance this project and we are looking forward to the finished product”.
Since its 1987 opening, the building has not had any significant mechanical or structural work and the facility has been shut down occasionally for repairs, says the town.
The modernization project will reduce closures, bring the facility in line with current building codes, improve efficiencies and lower operating costs.
Changerooms will be improved, including the addition of a barrier-free universal changeroom and steam room will be replaced. The footprint of the existing pool will remain unchanged.
Town staff will now work with the construction team to finalize design documents. The aquatic centre is expected to close on July 7 to allow construction to start.
