Rimbey town council has opted not to shell out extra funding to ensure construction of the town’s outdoor swimming pool keeps moving even in the cold weather.
At its regular meeting Dec. 8, council agreed with a recommendation by Rick Kreklewich, director of recreation, to refrain from paying an extra $50,000 to $75,000 for heating and hording (extra insulation) of the pool.
Town Manager Tony Goode said due to the cold weather the concrete has not yet been put down for the spray park, but the work can be completed in the spring.
Coun. Joe Anglin said originally projects such as the swimming pool were to be completed by March to receive the $750,000 Recreation, Infrastructure Canada (RINC) grant. However, the deadline has been extended until next October.
“The good news is things are on track,” said Anglin. There was however a time constraint and we were nervous about it. It (the extension) gives us some elbow room if the unforeseen happens.”
The outdoor swimming pool complex, which is estimated to cost just under $3 million, is to include a junior Olympic five-lane outdoor pool, two hot tubs, a spray park and a 4,600 square-foot office/change room facility.
Kreklewich said the pool is scheduled for opening June 1.
“It is a really nice project. I am really pleased with the progress. The companies involved (Scott Builders and Western Recreation Inc.) have been working really hard and have accomplished a lot in a little while.”
By Treena Mielke / Rimbey Review