A special morning board meeting has been called for the Spray Lake Sawmills Recreation Park Society (SLSRPS) tomorrow (June 6) to discuss the proposed operational takeover with representatives of YMCA Calgary.
Mayor Jeff Genung, also interim SLSRPS president, says an information session is scheduled later in the day with the Cochrane Curling Club, and possibly others.
The meeting comes less than a week before the June 11 non-statutory public hearing on the proposed takeover of SLS Centre operations by YMCA Calgary—something town council insisted on before making a final decision.
Like Cochrane CAO Mike Derricott, Genung called it a contract discussion. However, he didn’t compare it to picking a contractor for weekly curbside collection for waste, organics, and recycling—something that's become a punchline for critics of the proposal
“Obviously, we're talking about a contract discussion that does have impacts and ripples throughout the community, as a huge amount of residents use the rec centre. I get that. We're not talking about a wholesale change of users and staff. I think as a resident when you walk in the doors, I doubt people will notice a difference if the change is made.”
The Cochrane Curling Club (CCC) strongly disagrees—especially regarding the future of the On The Rocks Lounge, which it says has developed a substantial following.
In an extensive statement, the CCC called the retention of the lounge a must in any future operating agreement.
“This issue is not just about a facility—it's about preserving a cornerstone of community life, safeguarding a historic sport, and ensuring curling in Cochrane continues to thrive for generations to come.”
While essential to the curling club’s operation, the lounge has also become a space for family events, painting classes, birthday parties, and general group use.
"Its removal eliminates a key pillar of CCC culture and community engagement."
The club believes eliminating the lounge would significantly reduce its membership. It points to other communities where similar changes led to declines of between 20 and 40 per cent. It also fears YMCA Calgary may consider eliminating curling altogether and replacing the ice with another skating rink—something within its operational scope.
“If curling's ice time appears underused due to artificial participation drops caused by the loss of core amenities, it creates a false narrative of curling's irrelevance,” reads the statement.
Curling Alberta has also written to both town and county councils to urge the lounge’s retention, warning of negative impacts on a sport it calls a pillar of Alberta’s cultural and social fabric.
It also asked how YMCA Calgary would replace the revenue generated by the lounge..
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Genung, however, says the town and YMCA Calgary are asking for a fair chance to answer questions before residents make up their minds.
“I understand that the On The Rocks Lounge is something the curling club is concerned about. In my discussions with the Y, they're not saying there can’t be a lounge. They’re saying they won’t operate the lounge, and that’s a change from the current model.
“But that doesn’t mean the lounge is going away. They’ve been clear with me that a third party could come in and operate the lounge, no problem. There's a bit of a misconception, and I know change and the fear of change is really what’s on people’s minds, and that’s on my mind, too.”
A summary of potential savings was presented to town council by CAO Derricott on May 20. The YMCA told the town it anticipates an operational surplus of $392,000 in the first year, which would climb to $1,854,000 by the fifth year. The town would continue to be responsible for capital investments in the facility. Last year, the town spent $1 million on operations and $2.2 million on capital expenses and maintenance.
Genung says the move isn’t just about dollars and cents.
“It’s the opposite. We’re trying to find a balance between a cost-effective financial model and delivering premium recreation to our residents that fits Cochrane.”
The facility is jointly owned 50-50 by the town and Rocky View County, but there are disproportionate contributions towards the centre. Should the agreement with the YMCA go forward, town and county officials will be sitting down to resolve long-standing issues with the current arrangement.
The curling club continues to question the dual role of Genung as mayor and SLSRPS president.
"This dual role presents a perceived conflict of interest, even if not in direct violation of legal or municipal conduct standards," the club stated as early as May 20. "In theory, the mayor is obligated to act in the best interest of the town as a whole. However, as president of SLSRPS, he is also bound to advocate for the longevity and interests of that specific organization."