SUNDRE — Despite the enduring adversity presented by the pandemic, the Aquaplex continues to figuratively and literally hold water.
“We’re doing good,” said Chris Craig, Sundre and District Aquatic Society president. “I mean, we’d rather be open and have our users in using our facility. But I continue to go and make repairs and work on the facility on a daily basis."
The swimming pool as well as the leisure pool — or children’s pool — and water slide are “ready to roll as soon as we can open,” he said.
However, he added the hot tub for the time being remains out of order.
Asked how the Aquaplex has been able to absorb or at least offset ongoing operational costs in the absence of any revenues, he said efforts to find grants always remain ongoing.
“There are some grants that we have applied for, for some COVID relief income loss,” he said. “So, we are taking advantage of some of those grants. We have a number of applications out.”
As of the time of the interview, he said the federal wage relief subsidy was the only grant received, but added there is the potential for more funding pending approval of other applications.
Additionally, the society recently wrapped up a raffle fundraiser with the annual 60-second shopping spree at Main Avenue Cold Beer & Liquor Store.
“We did very well on that,” he said, adding, “We raised about $7,000 for the facility.”
But due to the pandemic, he said the society has not been able to do much else in the way of fundraising.
“We’re trying to be sensitive to the community, and not be out asking for money while no one has money,” he said.
“We’re just hoping and praying that the restrictions are lifted and we can get our facility open for our users as soon as possible.”
Fitness centre remains closed for now
Although gyms were included among the provincial government's relaxed restrictions that came in yesterday (Feb. 8), the indoor fitness centre at the Aquaplex was not as of last Friday ready to reopen.
"I am talking with other gyms to see what they are doing. But at this time, it is unclear," Craig said in response to a follow-up inquiry.
"Nothing is in place," he said, adding, "We are always trying to find a way to get open for our users."
