Some pleasant changes have been occurring at the Sundre Aquaplex.
Real Turgeon, president of the Sundre and District Aquatic Society’s board, admits that around four years ago, the complex was in dire straits. It was at a point where the province was threatening to rescind its licence due to a lack of auditing, and the society faced a list of demands from the Health and Safety Board that had to be satisfied within a matter of months. Attempts were made to turn the building over to the Town of Sundre, but the facility’s maintenance was deemed too costly unless taxes were raised — not the most popular move.
Drastic measures were called for.
The government granted a few months' grace while Leona Bennett, board member and current treasurer, worked with officials to balance the books. Turgeon became involved at this point. A Sundre resident who has a boiler operator’s licence, he decided to volunteer his time maintaining the boilers. He and the staff also started picking away at the demands of the Health and Safety Board. An interim inspection showed great progress, so between that and the audit improvements, the province allowed them more time.
At the next annual general meeting, Turgeon and his wife Lesley both joined the board, Lesley as the society's treasurer. Real Turgeon volunteered to do all of the maintenance. Staff was cut from 28 to 14. The board applied for a government grant to install new boilers; it was difficult scraping up matching funds — the grant only covered 50 per cent of the expenses — but with the new cost-saving measures, this was accomplished.
Last year, Real moved to the position of board president while Lesley quit the board to become manager. Since this past summer, two new boilers have been installed and one of the original ones was repaired as a backup. All of the valves on the pool and almost every pump have been changed. Seeing as how the pumps cost between $3,500 and $5,000, this was no mean feat. Aesthetically, the Aquaplex looks better too, as many areas have been painted, a project which is ongoing.
Additionally, some of the rules have changed. In the gym, headphones are now a must if one wants to listen to music, and weight slamming is verboten. Turgeon reports that a number of people who had cancelled their membership have now returned. Moreover, swim club's membership is up to 18 from a low of three or four a few years ago.
To remain solvent, the Aquaplex requires $600,000 per annum for its day-to-day operations.
Revenue is earned through memberships, user fees and lessons; either private, group or scholastic. User rates had to be raised recently (by tacking on five per cent GST), but the board is hoping it will not have to raise them again in the near future. Funding is also generated through the annual duck race, golf tournament, raffles, book sales, and once every three years, through a casino night in Red Deer. If you enjoy working casinos, the board is eager to hear from you! Finally, Mountain View County provides some financial assistance. Although according to Turgeon, “it’s not nearly enough.”
Two new government initiatives have added to the Aquaplex’s financial concerns. One is the carbon tax, which amounts to around $800 a month. The other is the new minimum wage. Since all of the front desk staff had to be paid the higher minimum wage, the scale could not be raised for the certified lifeguards, making retention problematic.
Turgeon invites everyone to come and test the waters or try out the gym equipment. For those who are intimidated by all those weights and pulleys, he offers an orientation session for anyone aged 13 and over. One just has to sign up at the desk and a time will be found that works for a few individuals. The board and staff are intent on developing a warm environment. As Turgeon stresses, “it’s our community fitness centre.”
— Submitted by Sandy Easterbrook
