Coronation Swimming Pool Redevelopment Project: Town of Coronation

Coronation Swimming Pool Redevelopment Project

Project Overview and Objectives

The Town of Coronation is redeveloping its public swimming pool facility. This redevelopment aims to address the structural and operational limitations of the existing pool while creating a modern, safe, and accessible facility that meets the long-term recreational needs of our community and region.

Timeline and Key Milestones

Preliminary Scope Review: Q4 2024 - Completed
Design Completion: June 2025
Materials Ordered: June - July 2025
Demolition and Preparation: August - September 2025
Construction Start: February 2026
Projected Opening: June - July 2026

Estimated Costs and Funding Sources

The estimated total cost of the Coronation Swimming Pool Redevelopment Project ranges from $1.4 million to $1.7 million, depending on the finalized design, material costs, and scope of construction.

To support this investment, the Town of Coronation is pursuing a multi-source funding strategy that includes:

Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF):
The Town intends to utilize both operating and capital LGFF funding to cover a significant portion of the design and construction costs. These funds are vital for supporting municipal infrastructure upgrades.
- Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF):
  The LGFF is a provincial funding program created by the Government of Alberta to provide long-term, predictable funding to municipalities. It replaced the former Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI). The LGFF helps municipalities address infrastructure needs, maintain essential services, and support capital and operating priorities.
  For this project, LGFF Capital is being used to support the design and construction of the new pool, while LGFF Operating may help with preliminary planning and administration costs.
Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP – Large Stream):
The Town, in partnership with the Coronation & District Wellness Society, is preparing a grant application for up to $1 million in CFEP funding. This provincial grant supports capital projects that enhance public-use facilities.
- Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP):
  The Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) is a provincial grant administered by the Alberta Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Status of Women. It is intended to support the construction, renovation, or upgrade of public-use facilities that contribute to vibrant, active communities. The CFEP Large Stream offers up to $1 million in funding; however, all funds must be matched by the applicant through equivalent contributions, which can include cash, donated materials, volunteer labour, or other eligible sources.

The Town is working in partnership with the Coronation & District Wellness Society to apply for this funding in order to help offset the costs of constructing the new swimming pool and splash park, with the potential inclusion of an enclosure for year-round use.

County of Paintearth Partnership:
As part of the regional recreation agreement, the County of Paintearth has been engaged as a funding and planning partner for the project. Cost-sharing options and joint contributions are being explored through a dedicated Council committee.
Additional Grants and Contributions:
The Town is also exploring opportunities through other provincial and federal programs, including regional development funding, as well as potential contributions from local non-profit groups and businesses.

This layered funding approach is intended to minimize the financial burden on municipal taxpayers while ensuring the new facility meets the long-term needs of the community. By strategically leveraging LGFF funding, this plan is not expected to require a special tax levy or an increase to the municipal mill rate.

Selected Design & Engineering Firm

We are pleased to announce that the Town of Coronation has selected the following firm to lead the design and engineering of the new swimming pool and splash park:

Western Recreation & Development Inc.

Is a Canadian company specializing in the design and construction of municipal waterparks, swimming pools, waterslides, and spray parks.

With a focus on municipal projects, the company offers services that encompass the full spectrum of waterpark development, from initial design to final construction. Their expertise includes the creation of various aquatic attractions tailored to community needs.

For more information about their services and past projects, you can visit their official website: https://waterparks.ca/.

This firm will be responsible for:

Developing detailed construction-ready design drawings
Ensuring compliance with Alberta Health regulations and building codes
Collaborating with the Town, County of Paintearth, and community stakeholders to incorporate public feedback into the final design

Stay tuned for updates as we move into the detailed design phase.

Community Engagement

We value community input. Engagement sessions will be held before summer to gather feedback on features, design preferences, and community priorities.

These sessions will include:

Two open community design workshops (one at the school, if possible)
- Date: Wednesday, May 28th at 7pm at the Golden Age Drop In Centre
Online surveys and digital feedback opportunities
- Survey available until June 4th, 2025 - Pickup only at town office.
- Survey results available here
Pop-up information booths at local events
- Community Block Party May 25th, 2025.