Edmonton considering a shift to smaller, cheaper rec centres to build them faster
Users of the oldest public swimming pool in Edmonton celebrated a small victory Tuesday as a new Scona Rec Centre was added to the queue of projects awaiting funds.
"We’re hoping…this decade some time, you know?" laughed Elaine Solez with Friends of Scona Rec.
At roughly 65 years old, Scona Pool is ready to be replaced. But rather than stopping there, a group of residents figured an expanded $76 million recreation centre would be better for their mature neighbourhood.
"A small, compact rec centre could have a pool, a gym, a fitness area, multi-purpose room and just kind of fit on the park. It’s not a big park," Solez explained.
For the last few decades, Edmonton has focused recreation funds on massive new facilities like the Meadows and Terwillegar Rec Centres. Those are both designed to be all-encompassing community hubs that serve large sections of the city.
But those facilities often cost hundreds of millions of dollars, and take many years to build, which is why city staff and council are working on a new approach.
"Many of us would like to see some consideration of either building the big, multi-piece, big mega rec centre in phases, or splitting those off into smaller pieces," said Coun. Tim Cartmell.
That strategy could mean communities don’t have to wait a generation for a pool or a gym.
Council is also looking at new uses for community leagues. In an effort to create more walkable neighbourhoods, underused halls could offer up space for dance lessons, or cultural groups.
"l think leagues are really really well positioned to help move this forward," said Laura Cunningham-Shpeley with Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues.
"What can we put in there during the day times? Where are there open spots, and groups that match?"
Funding for the Rollie Miles Leisure Centre and park renewal, including the Scona Pool replacement, will be debated as part of the 2023-26 budget deliberations.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Jeremy Thompson
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
Tropical fish stolen from Beachburg, Ont. restaurant found and returned
Ontario Provincial Police have landed a suspect following a fishy theft in Beachburg, Ont.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.