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Town Council takes second look at site for new Aquatic Park

Planning continues for the new Canora Aquatic Park, including a change for the site of the project.
New pool site
This is an artist’s rendering of the new Canora Aquatic Park, scheduled to open in time for the 2022 season. Due to a variety of factors, it is no longer being planned for the site of the existing pool.

Planning continues for the new Canora Aquatic Park, including a change for the site of the project.   

Building the new facility on the existing site, as was originally planned, comes with a few risks that may have put the project behind schedule, according to Aaron Herriges, director of leisure services.

“Town Council reconsidered the current site and decided to move it to a better and safer site,” said Herriges. “Because of the geological conditions surrounding the existing basin, extensive excavation and preparation may have put the project too far back if we moved forward with our previous plan. Nothing will change in regards to the plans for the service building and the pool.”

The site for the project will be relocated to the east, in the open space 150 metres away from the existing pool, across the street from the Chase Kraynick “Pay it Forward” Splash Park.

The area was previously primarily used for soccer. Herriges said they have some good ideas to replace the soccer space used for this project. He believes this is an excellent decision moving forward.

“There were too many developmental unknowns with the current site. Also, we now have a space where we won’t be restricted for future development.”

The change in location comes with a variety of benefits, according to Herriges.

“For instance, the development of the new park will not affect our current operations and we will be able to stay open to the end of August now. We will also have some cost savings with excavation, as will be able to use the materials from the new site to fill the old site.”

Herriges said the construction of the new Canora Aquatic Park is set to start at the beginning of August. 

‘I would like to remind everyone that we are providing great family incentives in return for supporting the project. For a donation of $500, we are offering your family name on fixed signage at the park. We are also including a family Leisure Pass to the new pool for one year ($250 value).”

All donors are provided a charitable tax receipt. Herriges said early community support has been greatly appreciated, including numerous family donations.

“I encourage anyone that hasn’t considered donating yet to take a good look, the value is there. Adding your name on the signage is a great opportunity to leave mark on this project. Local businesses and organizations are getting on board as well. The Town would like to acknowledge Community Insurance for their continued support with a donation of $1,000. McTavish Concrete stepped up big with a donation of $1,500, and just recently Canora Wheatland Lioness Club generously donated $1,000. The well-publicized $50,000 earlier donation from the Yorkton Kinsmen club brings the total raised so far to $55,000. We have a long way to our goal, but the support and feedback has been fantastic,” concluded Herriges.