Aerial shot of the under-renovation Innisfail Aquatic Centre. (Image Credit: Town of Innisfail)

By Josh Hall

project almost finished

Innisfail denied $6.3 million federal grant for aquatic centre modernization

Mar 9, 2026 | 4:40 PM

The nearly $15 million modernization of Innisfail’s aquatic centre is just about complete, but at this juncture, it won’t be done with federal dollars.

The project was approved by town council in April 2025, and the facility closed a couple months later so work could begin.

A few months prior, in late 2024, the town had applied to the Government of Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program for $6.3 million.

Ahead of completion, likely in April, the town recently learned its application was rejected, which Mayor Jean Barclay explained is largely due to high demand and limited supply.

She also said the project was never contingent on the grant, and that council budgeted for the project’s entire cost a year ago, in case the grant wasn’t approved.

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“The letter that came [from Ottawa] said there may be an opportunity to apply for a new federal grant that could be opening in the future. It would be up to our staff to decide whether it would be applicable,” she stated.

Barclay also shared that when Red Deer County council agreed to put up $1.65 million for the project last year, Innisfail turned it down.

That’s partially because it was to be spread over 10 years.

“The present value of those funds was around $1.2 million, and we felt it needed further discussion.”

Those discussions are happening presently.

In addition, as Barclay pointed out, there was a municipal election set to occur shortly after the original offer, which was even more impetus to defer conversations.

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READ MORE

• Innisfail Aquatic Centre modernization project approved
• Red Deer County council approves $1.65 million in funding for Innisfail Aquatic Centre

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Barclay said research by town staff has found that around 30 per cent of aquatic centre users are Red Deer County residents.

“We have a great relationship with Red Deer County, and we’re looking forward to having further discussions.”

As for the modernization, it includes improved facility accessibility, a new steam room, a new hot tub, barrier-free universal changerooms, and an upgraded mechanical room, along with some aesthetic enhancements.

It will bring the facility in line with current building codes, and ensure it remains functional for decades, plus with lower operating expenses.

“The aquatic centre is 40-years-old, and to be very honest, it was getting to the point where we weren’t sure how much longer it would be open because there were mechanical problems. The last time we had a mechanical issue, the technicians who came to fix it weren’t convinced the facility would reopen,” the mayor said.

“It’s really important to get this back up and running, and ready for the community to enjoy again.”

An extensive FAQ page about the project is available at innisfail.ca.