HIGH LEVEL, AB — Town Council has approved a comprehensive facility condition assessment of the R.E. Walter Memorial Aquatic Centre to evaluate the facility’s current condition and determine the path forward for restoring facility services to the community.
The Aquatic Centre has been temporarily closed due to critical failures in the HVAC heating system, which have raised concerns around safety conditions, following progressive heating system failures dating back to at least 2007. The facility willremain closed to the public while the assessment is completed and next steps are determined.
“We know how important the Aquatic Centre is to families in High Level, and we share the community’s frustration with this closure,” said Mayor Josh Lambert. “Council’s focus right now is understanding the full scope of the issues so we can makeresponsible decisions and clearly communicate what comes next.”
Following completion of the assessment, findings and recommendations will be presented to Council, along with potential funding options. The Town is current pursuing grant funding, and exploring other possible funding streams to minimize the potential cost impacts of future maintenance and repairs.
“We are committed to transparency throughout this process,” said Viv Thoss, Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of High Level. “The community will be kept informed as the assessment progresses. We’re exploring every available funding source,and will work diligently to restore aquatic service as soon as it is safe and fiscally responsible to do so, while presentingCouncil with all options.”
While the facility remains closed, staff continue to monitor the building to prevent freeze damage and further deterioration. The Town is exploring options for interim recreation programming, where feasible.
The assessment will cost $30,000, and is being funded through existing capital reserves.
Updates will be provided to the community as the assessment progresses and more information becomes available, with updates posted online at www.highlevel.ca.
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For more information:
Viv Thoss
Chief Administrative Officer
Town of High Level
📞780-926-2201
📧cao@highlevel.ca
🌐 www.highlevel.ca