By Adam Eisenbarth
At 10 a.m. on June 1 Rimbey’s Best Western Rimstone Ridge Hotel opened its swimming pool to the public as part of a contract with the Town of Rimbey to provide services this summer.
With the outdoor pool closed for upgrades, there was a concern that there would be no swimming opportunities in town throughout the summer.
The indoor pool at the Best Western will function as a public pool and the hotel is glad to help come to a resolution.
“Being locally owned and operated we really take the town to heart,” says assistant manager Valerie-Ray St-Jean. “It’s nice to operate in spirit of the community.”
The outdoor pool will be missed by many residents, and while St-Jean admits what they are offering will be different, it will still be an adequate resource for activities in the summer.
“The pool definitely has its limitations in comparison to the outdoor pool, such as no diving, but we can accommodate up to 30 people at a time.”
A challenge that will face the hotel will be ensuring their guests are accommodated as well, and St-Jean believes they have done that.
“We have taken the guests into consideration. Usually they arrive around 3 p.m. and the pool will be closed (to the public) at 4 p.m.”
The Town of Rimbey is also providing a bus service to Lacombe for swimming lessons. The lessons will take place July 19 to 23, July 26 to 30, Aug. 16 to 20 and Aug. 23 to 27. You can register for these lessons by calling the Town of Lacombe Kinsmen Aquatic Centre at 403-782-1278. Call the Town of Rimbey Recreation Services at 403-843-3151 for a spot on the bus.