OLDS — The Olds Aquatic Centre will be closed from Sept. 2-22 and during that time, the final upgrades in a $2.7 million renovation project in the facility are expected to be completed.
Work on those renovations began last year after the town received a grant from the federal government to undertake the work to improve energy efficiency at the centre.
In a news release, the town says when completed, the renovations are expected to add another 20 years of life to the facility.
The renovation project was primarily funded by a $2.2 million federal Green and Inclusive Community Buildings grant, cost-shared on an 80/20 basis. In addition, the Town of Olds contributed $426,341 and Mountain View County allocated $127,350 for it.
Renovation of the facility began last summer and was expected to be completed in about 10 weeks. However, in October, the reopening date that year was pushed back to mid-November.
The improvements include the installation of new high efficiency boilers, upgrading existing air handling units to improve ventilation, and new hot water plumbing in 2023, and completion of the roof and new south-facing windows along the deck.
"These enhancements are expected to reduce the Olds Aquatic Centre's energy consumption by an estimated 63.4 per cent and greenhouse gas emissions by 432 tonnes annually," the news release says.
Town staff will take advantage of the shutdown to undertake a deep-clean of the full facility, including filter cleaning and semi-annual slide maintenance.
“This facility plays a significant role in Olds, offering recreational programming and serving as a safe, accessible space for children, youth and families,” the news release says.
“The upgrades to the Olds Aquatic Centre are a significant investment in the future of our community,” mayor Judy Dahl is quoted as saying in the release.
“By enhancing the energy efficiency and extending the life of this essential community facility, we are reducing our environmental impact and ensuring that families in Olds continue to have a safe, modern space for recreation and wellness for many years to come.”
