Innisfail Aquatic Centre. (Town of Innisfail)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Financial decision

Town of Innisfail to renovate Aquatic Centre rather than build new facility

Jan 14, 2025 | 10:03 AM

The Town of Innisfail has announced that instead of building a new facility, it’s moving forward with “a major modernization” of the existing Innisfail Aquatic Centre.

Construction will begin mid-year by Chandos Construction and Group2 Architecture and the town said it’s likely to take eight to 10 months.

The estimated cost for the project is over $12 million.

“There have been no substantial renovations to the Innisfail Aquatic Centre since the facility was built in 1987,” explained Meghan Jenkins, the town’s director of community services, in a media release. “Many of the facility’s mechanical and structural components need replacement simply to maintain functionality and to comply with applicable codes and best practices.”

Following discussion and weighing all options, council agreed that upgrading the facility was the best option.

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They had originally considered building a new facility, but due to rising costs that plan was deemed unrealistic without more government support.

“The cost of at least $30 million for a new aquatic centre is too much of a financial burden on our residents and businesses to shoulder alone. The option to renovate provides the best value for our taxpayers while maintaining this important community amenity,” said Innisfail Mayor Jean Barclay. “As construction costs continue to escalate, and taking into consideration the condition of the current facility, it is important for us to move forward now.”

Much of the estimated cost of the project will come from town reserves and a debenture. The town has also applied for multiple grants and are waiting to hear back on those before starting the project.

The Town is in the process of finalizing the details of the renovation, but once they’re complete and dates have been finalized, the Town will provide an overview for the public.