DIDSBURY — The Didsbury Aquatic Centre will remain closed pending Step 2 of the provincial reopening, councillors heard at the recent regularly scheduled council meeting.
In her monthly report to council, Nicole Aasen, manager of community service, discussed the status of the Didsbury Memorial Arena and the aquatic centre.
The nature of the one-on-one training by appointment permitted under the current Step 1 reopening restrictions, put in place on Feb. 8, would not make reopening the aquatic centre viable, she said.
“The majority of pool use comes from rentals, swim lessons and fitness programs,” she said. “The one-on-one training parameters would only allow for private lessons, which are not consistent, nor large enough, revenue streams to justify reopening at this time.
“Additional restrictions relative to children’s sport and indoor recreation will be addressed in Step 2, and we are hopeful that more robust programming opportunities will be allowed at this stage.”
Meanwhile, the newly renovated Didsbury Memorial Arena has reopened under Step 1 for use by local schools and for bookings for one-on-one training or one-on-household training with a certified trainer/coach, she said.
“We are currently working to ensure that local users have the opportunity to secure bookings prior to advertising for regional rentals, where we see great potential for use,” she said. “The demand has been amazing. We did not expect to be as busy as we have been and that’s a wonderful problem to have.
“We believe that a lack of area inventory, combined with our new facility, will be a draw for numerous regional one-on-one bookings.”
During recent months, ice and building temperatures at the arena were adjusted to ensure the plant and the facility were running as efficiently as possible to reduce costs while the arena was closed.
Plans are being made to expand arena usage once Step 2 begins, she said.
“As the province eases restrictions further for recreation, we anticipate offering programs for the larger community again, like the free public skates we have hosted in previous seasons,” she said.
“Our hope is that Step 2 changes will allow more program and opportunities for our recreation facilities. The earliest that we could move into Step 2 changes would be March 1, which would allow for a month of even greater use of the arena through expanded programs.”
Town staff continue to monitor provincial government updates regarding what is allowed at recreational facility, she said.
Mayor Rhonda Hunter commended town staff for their efforts in getting the arena up and running.
“Congratulations on such great success and getting the smiles on the kids’ faces,” said Hunter.
Council accepted Aasen’s report as information.
