The Innisfail Aquatic Centre is up and running -- and better than ever.
The centre officially reopened Sept. 9 after being shut down for two months for upgrades that cost $454,000. Half of the total cost was paid through a grant from the federal government's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund.
Users of the pool can expect a recreational experience that is as good and healthy as in any other municipality across the province, said Terry Welsh, director of community and protective services.
“We're going to have a much cleaner pool and it will be much more comfortable for the users,” said Welsh. “The regenerative filters we have, and there are lots way out east, are in place in Fort McMurray and Grande Prairie and I've heard Leduc is looking at them. It is the best in terms of that sort of technology.”
He said most of the project's upgrades were to the back end of the building, primarily mechanical systems that are specifically related to the filtration, sanitation and circulation systems. However, users will also see other changes as well, said Welsh.
“Throughout that two-month period we made a concerted effort to have a little bit more impact on the facility,” he said. “We did a lot of things in terms of improving the décor and a lot of the comforts of the pool.”
Welsh said the town created a mezzanine area in the centre's old equipment room as well as making more room for additional storage.
“We are able to put our materials there and we're able to provide storage for user groups and take a lot of material off the decks,” he said. “It really made the pool look more spacious.”
Welsh said the only work left to do, which is part of the $454,000 budget, is new lighting work.
“Once we determine the full cost of it, and we're in the process of reviewing some drawings, we will be looking at that,” he said.
The town will be hosting an official reopening of the upgraded centre on Sept. 26 at 2 p.m.
