A small Alberta town has some big plans.
Whitecourt spending ‘boom’ funds
A small Alberta town has some big plans.
Whitecourt, located just an hour and a half north of Edmonton, is going ahead with a renovation program that will see more than $10 million in improvements spent on three different facilities.
The town council recently approved extensive renovations to their existing swimming pool as well as construction of a field house complex west of the town’s curling rink. Improvements are also planned for the Rotary Park recreational area, including construction of a water park.
Public Consulted
“We’ve been going through a four and a half year planning process for recreational activities, and we had much public input,” Town of Whitecourt director of community services Jay Granley said.
He added the town has recently experienced a boom because of the local oil and gas industry, as well as a healthy forestry industry.
Granley said the town would continue to work on the concept plan for the renovations, in partnership with Barr-Rider Architects, an Edmonton firm.
Construction should start in spring of 2006, he said.
Steve Barr, of Barr-Rider Architects, said the project would be “interesting but do-able.” His firm has extensive experience building recreational facilities, including the new downtown YMCA in Edmonton and numerous other facilities throughout the province.
Balanced planning
The firm was also part of the consortium that worked on the recent overhaul of the Edmonton International Airport.
Barr also stressed the importance of keeping the community’s needs in mind while planning the renovations.
“From the town’s point of view, we need to make sure we meet the needs of the community, that we don’t replicate between the different facilities, and that we make sure it all blends together,” Barr said.
The newly enhanced RCMP Century Swimming Pool will require installation of a new heating and ventilation system, as well as new deck tiling, painting, improvements to the exterior finish, and acoustics work. A new hot tub, change rooms, steam room, and a children’s “play and spray” area are also planned. Topping out the $2.6 million project will be a new administration area and front entrance.
Roadwork needed
The $7.3 million field house will include a multi-sport area, which will easily configured for soccer, basketball, volleyball and other activities. A fitness centre, second floor track, meeting rooms, a children’s play area, as well as administration and food and beverage areas are also planned.
Roadwork and paving will also be necessary to improve access and make room for increased attendance. Room for more than 500 parking spaces will be made, and the Town of Whitecourt claims development of the site will improve the intersection of Highway 43 and Hospital Road. “We’ll be doing some roadwork, and working with Alberta Infrastructure to improve the intersection,” Granley said.
Developments in Whitecourt pace much of the province which is experiencing a public works surge due to energy revenues.
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