Lyle Hannan, director of Community Services and Leslie Margetak from the Pool Request for Proposal Evaluation Committee presented the proposed design for a new community pool at a council meeting on Jan. 19.

The assembled councillors seemed impressed with the design. The proposed contract went before council on Jan. 26 for approval.

“I think this could be a tourist attraction,” said Councillor Marlene Anctil. “I think it could bring people into this area.”

The municipality had budgeted $1.35 million to replace the community’s aging outdoor pool. Community Services received eight bids from five companies, ultimately choosing a design from Western Recreation and Development Inc.

“The total project budget is $1.5 million, but the contract award will be for around $1.3 million (fixed amount barring unforeseen factors) which provides for a $200,000 contingency,” said Hannan. “There are some items that will need to be addressed with that contingency but the budget is in good shape after contract approval.”

The proposed pool is larger than the current one. The design calls for encroaching into Lions Park and an adjacent alley. Construction timeline would be from August 15, 2016 to June 30, 2017.

Included in the design is a 12-person hot tub. There will also be a waterslide, which will be an upgrade in size and quality to the current small slide.

The Crowsnest Pass Piranhas Swim Club will be getting wet in a six-lane junior Olympic sized swimming pool 25 metres in length with a maximum water depth of 2.9 metres.

The larger water surface area is “allowing for a higher patron capacity and expanded area for programs,” said Hannan. “[And] the beach entry feature and larger shallow end will appeal to younger children who do not swim but can splash and play.”

There will also be a vortex or “current area” feature that is not in the existing design; this can be used for recreation or exercise purposes.

The design also includes a complete replacement of all mechanical systems required to keep the pool operational.