INNISFAIL – The town’s 38-year-old Innisfail Aquatic Centre is soon shutting down for nine months and special plans have been prepared for its final week of operations before construction crews take it over to begin a $14.9 million modernization project.
At town council’s agenda and priorities meeting on June 16, Meghan Jenkins, director of community services, said the aging aquatic centre is scheduled to close on July 7 for the start of the massive modernization project.
“This closure is essential to ensure the safety of patrons and to allow uninterrupted progress on the planned upgrades,” Jenkins told council, adding the spray park will maintain normal operations throughout the summer season.
She said the final week of aquatic centre’s operations – from July 1 to 7 – will include daily Toonie public swims and a free barbecue for public swim attendees on Sunday, July 6 from 3 to 6 p.m.
Council was told the Innisfail Triathlon that had been scheduled for July 5 has been cancelled.
Jenkins said there are plans to host the event in September of 2026.
With the total projected cost for the modernization project set at about $14.9 million, Jenkins said financial requests have been made through Infrastructure Canada Green & Inclusive Community Buildings ($6.3 million), and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities – Community Building Retrofit for an additional $2.4million.
Jenkins said additional funds are being explored through provincial programs, including the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre; and the Community Facility Enhancement and Active Communities programs with the support of the Innisfail Kinsmen Club.
She added a formal request for financial support has also been made to Red Deer County.
Jenkins said updates on these requests and approvals will be provided as they become available.
