Pool location chosen

The site of Barrhead’s new aquatic centre has been chosen.

A five-acre parcel of land at the corner of 49 Street and 58 Avenue, across from the Petro-Canada gas station and old motel, has been earmarked for the swimming pool.

Town Council last week bought the raw land from the Schneider family for $175,000. It is part of a 14-acre plot, within sight of the Shepherd’s Care facility.

Mayor Brian Schulz said he was thrilled to announce the pool location on behalf of council. The community and region stood to benefit, he added.

“The site will permit us to have plenty of parking and possibly other types of recreation facilities,” he declared.

Chief Administrative Officer, Martin Taylor, also expressed delight.

“One of the pieces in the puzzle has come together,” he said.

He added a lot of issues now had to be addressed, including subdividing the land, surveying it and determining exits and entrances.

“We will also have to decide where the pool will actually sit,” he said.

The project – originally estimated to cost $12-15 million – is expected to last two years. Construction is likely to take one year.

Last night councillors discussed the pool plan at their regular meeting. Parks and Recreation staff members were also expected to be present.

Speaking last Friday, Schulz outlined the reasons for the location. Firstly, it was close to the schools.

“Students won’t have to cross the highway to access the pool,” he said.

The site was also near the new tennis courts and sports grounds, he added. Other reasons included:

Highway visibility. This would attract tourist and economic development along the highway;

Raw land is easier to service for infrastructure;

Plenty of parking and the possibility of other recreation facilities; and

Preserving the ball diamonds, Splash Park and limiting parking at the sports grounds.

“In conclusion this is only one part of this project. The next few steps include to continue fundraising and develop a conceptual plan to show our residents of the region and obtain their feedback of what they want in their next aquatic centre,” said Schulz.

The pool announcement ends months of speculation. Last year there was controversy after it was thought the major baseball diamond opposite the Agrena was council’s favoured site.

Among those opposed was Shannon Carlson, president of the Barrhead and District Agrena Society, responsible for pool fund-raising.

Other possible locations talked about were north of the existing pool and east of the outdoor rink.

Taylor said council had narrowed its focus to two options – the Schneider land or by the Splash Park.

“The main problem with the Splash Park location was parking,” he said. “It would have been just too restricted.”

Taylor said talks over the Schneider parcel had been going on for a while. They concluded with a $35,000 per acre deal.

“Council had already given me the authority to negotiate on their behalf,” he said.

Taylor said further down the line conceptual drawings would be produced. The public would be able to inspect them at Open House sessions.

“They will have a say about what goes in the pool – whether we have a slide, a lazy river, that kind of thing,” he said.

On the 2013 municipal election ballot residents will be asked whether they support the project along with an estimated borrowing by-law of $6,000,000.

The Agrena Society has two major fund-raising ventures under way, including a Feb. 16 trip to Galaxyland. The $10 tickets can be acquired at the Town office, local retailers like the Co-op and IGA and the RE/MAX office.

A 50/50 cash lottery with a maximum prize of $50,000 is another fundraiser. The draw date is March 1, 2013. Tickets are available at local retailers, the Town office or from Agrena Society members.