At a well attended public meeting last night Mayor Cal Huntley reported escalating costs related to materials and construction led to a change in the scope of the Aqua Centre project as well as a move from the planned location of the former Willowvale Curling Rink Site back to the location of the previous Aqua Centre. 

Recreation Manager Andrew Smith explained the building will include a competition length lap pool and leisure pool, change rooms, a reception area and activities room. Total cost is 10.9 million dollars with an allowance of another 20 percent or 2.2 million to allow for possible increased costs. 6.7 million is coming from federal and provincial grants, 4.2 million from the City including 1.6 million from levies from 2021 to 24, 412 thousand in other grants and 2 million in fund raising over two years.  They already raised 500 thousand and have an intensive fund raising plan and sponsorship opportunities while continuing to work with the province. The 20 percent contingency would come from one million in general reserves, 650 thousand in other grants and 548 thousand in fund raising.

Geotechnical work will be conducted this summer with construction beginning next year with completion expected in May of 2024.