By Jasmine Franklin
Rimeby’s 40-year-old outdoor swimming pool is on its way to being replaced as soon as word of a federal grant comes through.
In a Ponoka County council meeting Nov. 10, council approved $500,000 worth of funding for the almost $2.5 million project. Pending the approval of a federal $750,000 grant, the town could have the pool built by March 2011.
“This is really good news,” said Russ Wardrope, town manager. “It’s a pretty old pool and we need one with the new technology in operating systems as well as a new pool tank.”
The project would not only include a new outdoor pool but also the addition of a water slide and a splash park.
“We really hope this funding will help,” said Charlie Curforth, Ponoka County chief administrative officer. “We are trying to be fair and balance the funding between the two towns in the county.”
If the federal grant comes in, the town needs to have the project finished by March 2011. If it doesn’t, Wardrope said they will have to re-evaluate the financial situation and extend the time period.
Wardrope received word Nov. 12 that final stages on the funding and review process are wrapping up.