INNISFAIL – With senior levels of government cold to the idea of pouring multiple millions of dollars towards new municipal recreation mega projects, Innisfail is now moving towards a major modernization of the nearly 40-year-old Innisfail Aquatic Centre instead of a costly $28.5-million new build.
On Nov. 12 at its regular council meeting Innisfail town council unanimously approved a motion from administration to give the green light on a proposed project scope and budget for a major Innisfail Aquatic Centre modernization outlined in a federal Green and Inclusive Community Building (GICB) grant application.
If the town is successful the eligible GICB contribution would be $6,330,536.68 while the town’s share would come in at $5,935,682.22, bringing the total preliminary project cost to $12,266,218.90.
What is also beneficial to the town if the grant application is successful is that energy efficiency projections from the work indicate up to 43 per cent fuel savings for space heating in the facility alone.
Council was told that if the town’s grant application is successful it could be 12 to 18 months before the funding arrives.
Since last February Innisfail town council and senior administration have been looking at different strategies and available options in case the planned 22,600 square-foot mega project beside the Innisfail Twin Arena is ultimately jettisoned due to lack of financial support from senior levels of government.
It was nearly three years ago when town council approved more than $600,000 for design work into the planned new aquatic centre by the Arena but finding funding support has been a frustrating challenge.
The town will have saved $1,629,846 in reserves by the end of 2024 for a future debenture payment for a new aquatic centre, or a major renovation to the existing facility.
There was also hope by council and administration the town would receive senior government grant help of at least $10 million but that has not been realized.
“It’s a massive disappointment to me but at the same time we cannot put that kind of a financial burden on our residents without significant help from other levels of government, and it's just not there,” Mayor Jean Barclay told the Albertan following the Nov. 12 council meeting.
“Seeing the amount of funding that we needed to make a new one (facility) a reality we've come to a realization that to be fiscally responsible our best move is to renovate what we have and modernize to bring that facility up to code, and do a replacement on the sauna and hot tub.
“When the federal program (GICB) opened up it was obviously a good fit for us, and this is where we are at right now.”
Council was told by Meghan Jenkins, director of community services, that the existing Innisfail Aquatic Centre has received “minimal investment” throughout its four-decade lifecycle.
In her report Jenkins said the GICB program for large retrofits reopened in September of 2024 and provides for retrofits, repairs and upgrades for existing community buildings seeking to improve environmental outcomes.
Council was told the GICB program provides up to 80 per cent funding for projects with eligible projects costs under $10,000,000.
Jenkins said administration worked with Chandos Construction, along with other integrated project delivery team members, to develop a scope of work that addresses significant deficiencies, and meets all points of the grant criteria.
“This program has been identified as the most significant and achievable grant program that has been available in recent years,” said Jenkins in her report to council.
Jenkins said program funding will cover general mechanical upgrades. This includes new boilers, hot water, pumps, furnaces, heat recovery, and air source heat pump and ventilation.
The funding can also be used for building envelope upgrades, such as structural steel roof reinforcement, block wall repairs, windows, doors, skylights, metal siding and roof replacement.
The program is also directed towards general facility upgrades, which covers accessible hot tub and steam room replacement and improved water service lines.
Jenkins said the current scope of work does not address layout or aesthetic changes that may be desirable and practical to replace as part of a larger project.
She added additional upgrades could include full re-tiling and reconfiguration of front foyer, and/or the administration, change rooms and viewing areas.
“The intent is that administration and council will work with Chandos to further refine the existing cost estimates and identify other opportunities for additional facility upgrades,” said Jenkins.
She added administration will be coming back to council with additional up to date information and to discuss a budget in more detail, especially if there is a desire for additional aesthetic changes.
