To reduce impact to users of the Drumheller Aquaplex, renovations have now been slated to start next spring.
One of the main items at Drumheller’s Town Council meeting on Tuesday, September 6, was the issue arising from the delay of the Aquaplex modernization. Due to being unable to meet the previous time frame, the modernization had been pushed back from summer of 2016 to October of 2016. However, the town is now looking to start construction in May 2017.
Town of Drumheller CAO Ray Romanetz explained Town Council considers the new time frame would better serve users, including The Canadian Badlands Aquatic Club (CBAC).
“Our swimmers start swimming in September and we have 8 month, 9 month and 10-month training,” said Jason Martin, CBAC treasurer. “If the pool shuts down 3-4 months mid-season, they (the kids) train anywhere from 1-4 times a week, this would basically render the club dysfunctional because they need to be in the pool continuing training through the year.”
CBAC is a combination of kids from both Drumheller and Airdrie, consisting of up to 49 swimmers. 24 of these swimmers are from the Drumheller area and would be immediately affected by this disruption in their training schedule.
The swim team wouldn’t be the only ones affected. Drumheller Aquaplex employees would also be impacted, due to the pool being closed during renovations.
Romanetz expressed that the Town recognized these concerns and stated they are currently in discussion with the contractor to amend the date. If the pool was to undergo renovations during the summer months, there would be the option to use the outdoor pool while the indoor pool was closed. This, in turn would keep staff working and allow the swim club to keep practicing.
“Drumheller is lucky to have an outdoor pool and is one of the only communities that does and so to utilize that when it’s available makes a lot of sense. Indoor pool, outdoor pool it doesn’t matter to us.” Jason Martin said.
Romanetz further said to keep in mind the pre-approved budget. The new pool liner will still arrive on schedule this November to be ready for installation which the town aims to commence the spring/ summer of 2017. The Town will be meeting with the installation company next week to confirm this new time frame.
The renovations to the pool include installing a family friendly shallow entry wading area, the installation of a stainless steel liner to increase durability and reduce shutdown time. There will also be upgrades to the mechanical systems.
