INNISFAIL – There will not be a big build of a new aquatic centre for Innisfail.
With the Town of Innisfail unable to get multi million-dollar support from the provincial government, the municipality has officially dropped plans to build a $30 million facility next to the Innisfail Twin Arena.
The news came at town council’s regular meeting on Jan. 13 when Meghan Jenkins, the town’s director of community services, introduced a report.
Jenkins recommended to council to move forward with two motions, with the first approving the Aquatic Centre Modernization Project with a total project budget not to exceed $12,266,219.
The second motion was to direct administration to enter into a contract with Chandos Construction and Group2 Architecture for the completion of the modernization project.
Both motions were unanimously approved by town council.
The process to have the project completed is likely to take between eight to 10 months, with construction expected to start mid-year, according to a media release issued after the council meeting.
“There have been no substantial renovations to the Innisfail Aquatic Centre since the facility was built in 1987,” said Jenkins in the media release. “Many of the facility’s mechanical and structural components need replacement simply to maintain functionality and to comply with applicable codes and best practices.”
The release added that “all options” were weighed by council and it was agreed that upgrading the existing facility was the most “prudent option” but a sharp increase in building costs during the design phase rendered that plan unrealistic without significant support from other levels of government.
“The cost of at least $30 million for a new aquatic centre is too much of a financial burden on our residents and businesses to shoulder alone. The option to renovate provides the best value for our taxpayers while maintaining this important community amenity” said Innisfail's mayor, Jean Barclay, in the media release.
“As construction costs continue to escalate, and taking into consideration the condition of the current facility, it is important for us to move forward now.”
The estimated cost of the project will be just over $12 million, with a clear majority coming from municipal reserves and a debenture, according to the release.
However, the Town of Innisfail is still seeking grants to help cover the cost, notably a federal Green and Inclusive Community Building grant of about $6.3 million.
The media release said town staff are still in the process of finalizing details of the renovation, which will be conducted by Chandos Construction and Group2 Architecture.
Once plans are complete and dates have been finalized, the municipality will provide an extensive overview for the public, said the release.
