Everybody is going to want to go to the pool in Innisfail, now that Town Council has given final approval to modernizing the building following its meeting on April 14.
The aging facility, which first opened in 1987, has not seen many changes over the years other than routine maintenance to keep the pool functioning.
“Over the past five to six years we have considered several options, including modernizing the existing facility, expanding the footprint of the existing facility, or building a new aquatic centre on the arena site,” said Innisfail Mayor Jean Barclay.
“In the end, the only pragmatic solution was to modernize the existing facility. We realize how important our aquatic centre is to Innisfail and area residents, and we acknowledge the closure over nine months will be difficult for our users — but we are at the point where we need to advance this project, and we are looking forward to the finished product.”
The proposed plans are to:
- Modernize the building and bring it up to code
- Improve efficiency and lower operating costs
- Improve accessibility to change rooms and the steam room
- Construct a new barrier-free, universal change room
The proposed work will reduce the frequency and severity of the issues that have increasingly resulted in facility closures and will ensure the amenity remains functional for decades to come.
Now that the project has been approved, town staff will work with the construction team to finalize the design — although the footprint of the existing pool will remain the same.
The Innisfail Aquatic Centre is expected to close on July 7, with construction to begin shortly afterward.
The public can subscribe for updates on the project at www.involve.innisfail.ca.