OLDS — Statistics for use of Olds Aquatic Centre during the second quarter of the year (April through June) are a “bit of a mixed bag,” according to the Town of Olds' Community Services director.
Guy Lapointe made that statement as he presented a second quarter report on his department to council July 14.
“Use is generally down for the quarter. But I ask you to please keep in mind that this is specific to quarter 2. Quarter 1 actually saw usage up across the board,” Lapointe said.
Statistics in the report showed that 7, 621 people visited the Aquatic Centre from April through June, down from 9,286 during the same period last year.
Only 135 passes were sold, down from 148 during the second quarter last year and only 483 swimming lesson spots were filled, compared to 543 from April through June 2024.
On the other hand though, there were 40 private rentals during the second quarter, up from 31 during the same period in 2024. And 110 Aquafit classes were held, up from 99 during the second quarter last year.
“Sales are up over 2024, which has led us to ask how we could be seeing a decrease in visitation but an increase in revenue,” Lapointe said.
“And perhaps the best explanation I have at this point is that the staff conducts an annual (count) as people enter facility. So there's an opportunity for that count to be off definitely at this point, so we're looking at ways to improve that process.”
