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Aquatic centre fundraising under way

A fundraising campaign for the new aquatic centre is under way – even though the pool location has not yet been chosen. One Barrhead and District Agrena Society initiative is a 50/50 cash lottery with a maximum prize of $50,000.
Servus with a smile: Servus Credit Union branch manager Jason McElroy (left) presents a $5,000 cheque to Shannon Carlson.
Servus with a smile: Servus Credit Union branch manager Jason McElroy (left) presents a $5,000 cheque to Shannon Carlson.

A fundraising campaign for the new aquatic centre is under way – even though the pool location has not yet been chosen.

One Barrhead and District Agrena Society initiative is a 50/50 cash lottery with a maximum prize of $50,000.

The draw date is March 1, 2013, and participants must be at least 18. Tickets are available at local retailers, the Town office or from Agrena Society members.

Agrena Society president Shannon Carlson said a February 16 fundraiser at Galaxyland in the West Edmonton Mall was also planned.

Between 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. people will be able to enjoy the world’s largest indoor amusement park. Tickets cost just $10, a third of the normal rate.

The park is full of exciting rides – including the triple loop roller coaster – and play areas for those of all ages.

“We would urge as many people as possible to come along,” said Carlson. “It should provide a fun time for all the family. $10 a ticket is great value.”

Tickets will be available from the Town Office, local retailers like the Co-op and IGA and the Re/Max office.

Carlson said funds for the aquatic centre – likely to cost $12-15 million – would also be raised through sponsorship, donations, and other projects. In addition, The Agrena Society will be lobbying provincial and federal governments for help.

Last Friday, Servus Credit Union presented $5,000 to Carlson, hoping it will start the donations ball rolling. “I encourage others to support the fundraising effort,” said branch manager Jason McElroy. “I think the Agrena Society do a heck of a job.”

Carlson believes a decision on a pool site – expected to be made soon by the Town – will boost fundraising efforts. People will be more willing to contribute once they know the location, he said.

At its Sept. 24 meeting, Barrhead Town Council signalled its support for a new aquatic centre in 2014.

Councillors also agreed to decide on a suitable pool site “as soon as possible.”

Mayor Brian Schulz put forward a motion to proceed to build a new pool in 2014 with three requirements: at the 2013 municipal election ballot residents be asked whether they support the project along with an estimated borrowing by-law of $6,000,000; the Agrena Society be urged to present its conceptual design in the spring of 2013 to both Town and County; and administration be authorized to acquire a parcel of land to accommodate a new pool.

Afterwards, Carlson welcomed the Town’s show of support and expressed confidence the best possible pool location would be found.

Last Tuesday, Carlson updated Barrhead County Council on the project, hailing the Town’s commitment and the proposal to ask residents whether they support the project with an estimated borrowing bylaw of $6 million.

“If we are going to build a pool we need united support from all governments,” he said. “It is not feasible to do it otherwise.”

Carlson said a new pool would prove a huge draw for people from all over area, encouraging them to live in Barrhead.

Coun. Bill Lane echoed Carlson’s comments and urged people to support the fundraising campaign and buy tickets for the 50/50 lottery and Galaxyland evening.

Lane said Barrhead – which had a declining school population – needed to entice people to the community. The new pool could achieve this, he said.

The plan was not to build a Taj Mahal, but a place that would be used by all the community.

Coun. Marvin Brade said he wanted more information about the project, including the cost and design.

Carlson said it was difficult to provide such details now, but added the plan was to build a cost-effective pool.

“We are not going to be frivolous,” he said.

Carlson, who was involved in raising funds for the Agrena, said the council’s support in principle was important at this stage.

“I look forward to your ongoing support,” he said. “We have got to keep this thing moving now that it is moving.”

The search for a new pool site has become a contentious issue in the public arena.

After the major baseball diamond opposite the Agrena was earmarked as a possible location, the move did not sit well with some sports enthusiasts, including Carlson.

Barrhead Swim Club has been calling for a new six-lane pool suitable for staging major events.

The current centre offers a 25-metre five-lane pool with a lounge area, whirlpool, climbing wall, tots pool, shower and change facilities, multi-purpose room and first aid area.

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