Innisfail Aquatic Centre modernization receives final approval

Innisfail Town Council has given final approval to a modernization project for the aging Innisfail Aquatic Centre. The decision came during the Town of Innisfail’s April 14 council meeting.

The facility first opened in 1987. Since then, the building has not had significant mechanical or structural work, although repairs to keep the pool functioning have occasionally been necessary. The proposed work will reduce the frequency and severity of the issues that have increasingly resulted in facility closures.

The modernization will bring the facility in line with current building codes and will ensure the amenity remains functional for decades to come. Upgrades will also improve efficiency and, in turn, lower operating expenses.

Accessibility will be improved through a reconfiguration of the existing change rooms, and through replacement of the existing steamroom. The upgraded facility will also feature a barrier-free, universal change room.

Plans for a new structure were previously considered, but ultimately that option became cost-prohibitive after supply-chain issues caused a sharp increase in building costs.

“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”.

Now that the project has been approved, town staff will work with the construction team to finalize design documents. The footprint of the existing pool will remain the same.

The Innisfail Aquatic Centre is expected to close on July 7 with the start of construction to follow.

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