Dear Editor: In our ongoing struggle to build an aquatic centre in Barrhead, I was very disheartened with the plebiscite recently put forward. I would like to explain why.
Dear Editor: In our ongoing struggle to build an aquatic centre in Barrhead, I was very disheartened with the plebiscite recently put forward. I would like to explain why.
In our ongoing struggle to build an aquatic centre in Barrhead, I was very disheartened with the plebiscite recently put forward. I would like to explain why.
When the town and county finally reached a decision to go ahead last December, I thought we were making headway.
At that time I announced at an Agrena Society meeting that I would not say another negative thing about building the pool. So please I am writing this to clear the air and inform people. It is obviously a failure of mine in the past as people feel they are not informed.
On December 7, 2010 I asked the Agrena Society if they were interested in raising money for a new pool. We've met each month and our main focus since then has been a new pool. That's over 50 meetings not including meetings with the town, and county, architects, etc.
Our planning had included visits to pools throughout Alberta, surveys distributed to town and county residences, public information meetings in the town and county and lengthy discussions with our chosen architect. We've done the research and we've included the town and county residents in that research.
Here is what we found. Starting with the bottom line all pools run at a deficit. The best way to reduce this deficit is to build a facility that people will use in large numbers. Since the early days of our recently demolished pool, components and the dynamics of these facilities have evolved dramatically. The old pool tried to accommodate this through the years with renovations adding a hot tub, sauna, and small leisure pool. These were added because people wanted them and used them.
Our research shows having leisure components will bring people to the pool in large numbers. This area is used extensively in swimming lessons, and exercise programs as well. The lazy river would be used by all ages for exercise, physical therapy, and enjoyment. Further, it can be used by different groups at the same time. The leisure component of the facility will be the most well used area.
The competition pool design has one added lane to make it possible to have sanctioned events. We have a strong swim club in Barrhead and giving them this will most certainly make them stronger. As well having the two separate pools will make it possible for people to lane swim at any time of the the day which will increase memberships as well.
Yes the hot tub is quite large, this is because it is made to accommodate wheelchairs.
The steam room is meant to replace the sauna. They are more sanitary and easier to clean.
The change rooms, lobby and administration areas have been made to accommodate the large number of users and staff members we expect for the facility.
In the end the features and design of the project are all linked and are the size they are for good reason. The least component used in our new pool will be the competition pool but not having it is not an option as lessons, competitive swimming, and other water sports would be impossible without it.
The architect for the project was chosen after interviewing several candidates shortlisted because of their pool experience. He was chosen because of his extensive experience and ability to deliver a quality product within an acceptable budget.
The contractor for the project again was chosen because they have far more expertise with pools than any of the nine firms vying for the job. They are one of the biggest construction firms in Western Canada.
At the time the project was put on hold, I was looking forward researching the finishes being used.
Rest assured we would pick finishes that are cost effective, attractive, and most importantly, durable.
The cost of the facility and the operation of is is certainly a concern for all residents. It is possible to build a pool that is smaller with less components. In doing this what group of people in our community are you going to exclude? To make the pool viable we need all age groups to be included.
In closing I should say when we built the Agrena we started out with a building with more components and a second ice surface. We were forced to downsize for the same reasons we are dealing with now. Ask minor hockey now if a second ice surface would be used. The walking track would have been removed had it not required changing the entire plan. Now it is used every day the arena is open, winter and summer.
When it was built in 2000, the cost was 4 million. Our pool architect completed and arena last year with only 300 seats and the price tag was 11 million.
Our taxes will go up when we build this project, we know this. I'm guessing a close figure would be $150/year for most tax payers. Compare that to the cost of travelling to other communities to access services we might lose if a proper facility is not built.
Our intent is to build an aquatic center that will attract business to town and keep Barrhead and area the place to be.
Shannon Carlson
