• View Council's Strategic Priorities Work Program with the Aquatic Facility Timeline (PDF)

• Finalize RFP for Prime Consultant - January 2023 - completed
• Issue call for proposals - Prime Consultant – February 2023 - completed
• Award Prime Consultant Contract - March 2023 - completed
  1. In November, 2022 a Project Management contractor was engaged to support staff and prepare the Request for Proposal for a Prime Consultant. At their meeting on February 27, 2023, the Prime Consultant contract was awarded by Council to GGA-Architecture. GGA-Architecture will facilitate the process to develop a design for the new Aquatic Expansion so that it can be tendered for construction, with a final design in place by the end of 2023.
  2. February 28, 2023 news Prime Consultant Contract Awarded (link)
  3. View the Aquatic Facility February 2023 FAQ (PDF)
• Monthly Design Meetings - ongoing, Design Working Group includes community representatives.
• Schematic Design Approved by Council July 10, 2023
  • View the July 2023 FAQ (PDF)
  • View the July 2023 PSA - Aquatic Facility Expansion Design Update Approved by Council July 10
  • View Schematic Design Drawings Package and individual drawings in the tab below
• Community / Stakeholder Engagement Ongoing
• Detailed Design complete October 2023
• Project Tender Dec 2023 - January 2024
• Construction Award – March 2024
• Construction is slated to begin in 2024
• Project Completion in 2025

At a Special Committee of the Whole meeting on July 10, the Town of High River Council reviewed a design update to the Aquatic Facility Expansion initiative. The design update received approval from Council at their Regular Meeting on July 10.

• View the approved schematic design drawings package (LARGE PDF 10 MB) or click to view individual drawings below
• View the July 2023 FAQ (PDF)
• View the July 2023 PSA - Aquatic Facility Expansion Design Update Approved by Council July 10

Individual schematic drawings are linked below *to view all drawings and budget information open the drawings package above, or contact the Town of High River for a printed copy. Note "SD" below and in the corner of each page refers to 'schematic drawing.'

• Aquatic Facility Site Plan SD
  
• Aquatic Facility Exterior View drawing SD
• Aquatic Facility Main Floor Plan SD
  
• Aquatic Facility Foyer drawing SD
  
• Aquatic Facility Foyer drawing 2 SD
  
• Aquatic Facility Pool Viewing drawing SD
  
• Aquatic Facility Pool Interior SD
  
• Aquatic Facility Hot Tub Analysis SD
  
• Aquatic Facility Spray Feature Examples SD
  
• Aquatic Facility Value Added Components SD

The foundation and tone for the updated design is in keeping with input received from the Aquatic Facility Design Working Group which includes representatives from the High River community. The working group will continue to refine the schematic drawings approved by Council.

Additional upgrades were requested to ensure the entire facility flows for both users and staff. They include an expanded, community-centred lobby and other improvements that will increase overall functionality. A universal change room included in the approved design follows industry standards and ensures the Town meets its obligation under the Alberta Human Rights Act.

Council maintains its commitment to a People First community focusing on resident's needs and promoting healthy lifestyles in the Town. The overall goal is to ensure the facility continues to be a welcoming, fun, family-oriented and inclusive facility with amenities for all users.

At their July 11, 2022 regular meeting of Council, after thoughtful deliberation, Town Council approved a plan to move forward with the Aquatic Facility Expansion. Council noted that the Fall 2021 Aquatic Facility Referendum was non-binding, giving them flexibility to review the results in context with other information.

"The decision comes down to our commitment to putting people first. Council believes the expansion will be a welcome addition to the community that will benefit the Town for years to come. It supports Council's vision to build High River's future by meeting the community's current and future needs." Craig Snodgrass, Mayor of High River

• View the July 11, 2022 Council package - Aquatic Facility Expansion (PDF)
• Read the July 12 Media Release (link)

At the July 11 meeting, Council also directed Administration to begin looking for a parcel of land to be used for a future new recreational facility as part of the Town’s long range planning. A new facility would be dependent on growth of the Town.

Council will review costs and timing of this major project when they begin their 2023 Budget discussions in fall, 2022. Please check back often as information will be updated on this page, and follow the Town's social media channels for updates.

“High River offers a lifestyle that keeps residents here, attracts visitors from around the world, and is now attracting people and businesses to move here. The Aquatic Facility expansion and upgrades to our recreation complex will enhance the quality of life people expect here and we believe it will result in many positive returns for years to come.” Craig Snodgrass, Mayor of High River

At the July 11 meeting, Council also directed Administration to begin looking for a parcel of land to be used for a future new recreational facility as part of the Town’s long range planning. A new facility would be dependent on growth of the Town.

Aquatic Facility Referendum Results

At the 2021 Municipal Election polls, residents were asked the following question:

• Do you support the Town borrowing up to $15,000,000.00 to expand the existing pool facility?
• Residents were asked to select either YES or NO as their answer.

The referendum was non-binding meaning it is for information to help Council make a decision. It ensured the community was heard and to provided future Council with information to help them make a decision based on the best interests of the community and taking into consideration other factors.

Referendum Voting Results:

• 4078 residents voted in the local Aquatic Facility Referendum.
• The results were as follows: 1866 voted YES, 2212 voted NO.

Results of the referendum vote were provided to the newly elected Town Council for consideration.

Council reviewed the results and deliberated a decision at their July 11, 2022 regular meeting of Council.

• View the July 11, 2022 Council package
  

NOTE

This referendum met the legislative requirements of the Local Authorities Election Act. The results of the ballot are not binding to Council and will be used as information only for future budget decisions.

Council has moved forward with this expansion following thorough deliberation; however, we realize some residents may have questions or concerns about this decision.

• Contact Town of High River Parks and Recreation Manager, 403-652-4042 or email parksandrec@highriver.ca
• Contact High River’s CAO Chris Prosser by calling 403-652-2110 or email cprosser@highriver.ca
• Speak to any member of High River’s Town Council
• Send your questions or concerns in writing to Council by emailing: legislativeservices@highriver.ca