Strathmore Aquatic Centre finishes construction, hosts grand opening

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

After months of construction, town officials and Strathmore’s Aquatic Centre staff cut the ribbon last weekend to officially re-open the facility that now features upgrades and additions.
The Town of Strathmore invested $1.3 million into the recreational facility last year, as part of a number of existing facilities upgrade and enhancement projects celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary of confederation.
Following the start of construction in October 2017, the Aquatic Centre now houses a steam room, an enclosed waterslide to eliminate weather closures at certain times of the year, and general maintenance upgrades to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
On April 29, Strathmore town councillors Jason Montgomery, Lorraine Bauer, Melanie Corbiell and Bob Sobol joined town staff and the Strathmore Aquatic Centre employees in the re-opening event.
“I’m just so impressed; this looks like it’s been here forever and it’s going to make such a big difference,” said Sobol. “It’s all about making this facility more accessible and more enjoyed by more people.”
In January 2017, Strathmore’s council approved a borrowing bylaw for $6 million as part of the 2017 capital budget. The money was allocated to various projects consistent with the town’s 2017 long-term financial plan, including renovations to the Strathmore Family Centre Arena, the Lambert Centre that houses the Strathmore Municipal Library, the creation of the Community Pavilion, playground upgrades in Kinsmen Park, pathways near Gray’s Park, a sports field area in Hillview and the beautification project downtown.
With current and previous councils championing the Aquatic Centre project, the recreational facility now offers many of the elements patrons requested.
“I’ve been here a while and just to see it grow little by little and then big projects like this, it’s nice to see us expanding and providing a new recreational home to the town,” said Tori Hawes, aquatic facility operator.
According to Hawes, the average weekend will result in nearly 200 patrons accessing the facility. She’s optimistic the addition of the steam room and lounging area will yield an even higher number of attendees.
The centre first opened its doors in Strathmore in October of 2002. The facility contains a six-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, a climbing wall, a leisure pool for children, a hot tub, a waterslide, multi-purpose room, and now a lounging area and steam room.
After the ceremony on April 29, the community was invited for a free swim in the afternoon.