A concept drawing of a new outdoor aquatic centre that would be constructed near Hillcrest Church was presented to council. Note, this is only a concept drawing and only presents ideas of what could be included in the project. On Monday council approved the funding for a preliminary design.--SUPPLIED IMAGE
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Councillors on Monday approved $3.9 million to fund preliminary designs of a new outdoor aquatics centre which would include a large-scale outdoor pool with waterslide and be constructed behind Hillcrest Church on the south side.
Councillors were provided several options on the financial impacts of the large capital project from parks and rec staff.
The vision of a new pool was identified as a priority for the Hat in the city’s 2022 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and would add to the number of outdoor aquatic facilities, dwindling in recent years with the closure of Heald and Heights pools.
Early estimates of total cost range between $25 million and $35 million, while development costs to the proposed Brier Run sports fields could range between $15 million and $20 million.
“We will continue our third-party funding discussion as we go through,” said James Will, director of parks and recreation. “We’ve had some interest from, I would say the YMCA has indicated that they’d be interested in pursuing a potential full project, recognizing that they have some ability to help with fundraising opportunities and look for grant funding opportunities.”
The outdoor pool, along with construction of sports fields in Brier Run, would serve the community as a more affordable option than building a full recreation and fitness centre in the south side that, without third-party funding, could raise residential property taxes by as much as 12.5 per cent.
The project will also allow for the future development of an indoor recreation centre and other amenities.
In August council approved a motion to allow the city to initiate a public engagement process with the community to gauge interest for a new outdoor pool facility.
This funding decision was made following the review of the recently completed public survey, which showed relative support to pursue the capital project.
Will says the city plans to publish its findings gathered from the community online and come back to council on the next steps of the project between fall 2025 and winter 2026.
