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Council Briefs: Upgrades for Aquatic Centre

Lacombe City council has approved $10.8 million worth of upgrades to the Lacombe Sports and Leisure Complex, which houses

Lacombe City council has approved $10.8 million worth of upgrades to the Lacombe Sports and Leisure Complex, which houses Barnett Arenas and the Kinsmen Aquatic Centre.

The upgrades will include a new entrance and facility foyer, numerous upgrades to comply with fire and building safety codes and the addition of a mechanical chemical room to the east perimeter of the pool.

Council authorized administration to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with Superior Safety codes after public consultation takes place and the optimal phasing of the project is determined.

“We very much appreciate the suggestions and viewpoints provided by our citizens into this project,” said Community Services Director Brenda Vaughan.

“We look forward to further public consultation and collaboration with community user groups as the project moves forward, in order to minimize service disruptions to the community.”

According to Stantec representative Darryl Langille, the adopted $10.8 million project budget is susceptible to change. Currently, the plans and costs have been estimated through floor plans and could potentially cost much less when more detailed construction plans are drawn.

“That budget is derived from worst-case scenarios pertaining to structural, mechanical and electrical factors. Considering the procurement methods the City has the option of moving forward with, the City could work hand-in-hand with the contractors and establish a budget that I feel would be below $10.8 million,” said Langille.

The project will commence in 2015.

“Watching the project move ahead is exciting to me personally, and I can’t wait to see the end project,” said Mayor Steve Christie.

New site for off-leash dog park

City council has approved the use of the land adjacent to the future public works facility in the Len Thompson Industrial Park Phase II as an off-leash dog park.

Administration has been authorized to commence developing this site sometime in 2015.

“Our objective in creating a permanent dog park is to help improve the overall quality of life in Lacombe by providing an area where dog owners may exercise their pets in a safe and secure off-leash environment,” said Chief Administrative Officer Norma MacQuarrie.

Public input concerning the Len Thompson Industrial Park Phase II location was sought via an online survey.

“We will incorporate the public feedback received into our planning processes for the dog park,” said Community Services Director Brenda Vaughan. “We also remind citizens that there will be additional opportunities to provide input into the park relocation project.”

According to Mayor Steve Christie, the City underwent a Municipal Green Spaces Review process to identify a suitable and permanent home for the new dog park.

The review identified an area directly adjacent to the future public works facility in the Len Thompson Industrial Park Phase II as the most suitable for development as an off-leash dog park.

The land is not suitable for use as an industrial lot, but has many of the desired features for an off-leash area. It will need to be fenced, landscaped and a gravel parking lot created. Walking trails to the area may also be considered.

Community input will be considered as council identifies the needs and wants of citizens in regards to amenities and landscape features of the new off-leash park.