Inglewood Aquatic Centre has been identified as one of 13 City-operated recreation facilities that require major electrical repairs. While there is no safety risk for customers or staff accessing the facility, there is a risk the electrical system could unexpectedly fail. In consideration of Council’s prior decision to permanently close the facility and to reduce the risk of sudden impacts to customers and swim clubs, Inglewood Aquatic Centre will close on December 22, 2024.
City-operated aquatic and fitness facilities were built from the late 1960s into the 1980s. These facilities have been well-loved and well-used, but many are now more than 50 years old and decades past their intended lifespan.
Inglewood Aquatic Centre, in particular, has exceeded its expected lifespan by more than 20 years. The electrical repairs would take approximately three months to complete with an estimated cost of $600,000.
“We’re grateful we’ve been able to provide services at this facility to Calgarians for over 60 years. From swimming lessons to birthday celebrations to various events, we take great pride in fostering memorable experiences and contributing positively to the well-being of our community. While we explored various possibilities to sustain the facility’s operations, advancing the closure of Inglewood Aquatic Centre prevents the need for a costly and time-consuming repair of the facility,” says Director of Recreation & Social Programs, Heather Johnson. “Moreover, there is a chance further repairs would be needed beyond the electrical issues because of the facility’s age.”
The closure creates the opportunity for potential redevelopment including new housing, stimulating the local economy. There will be no job loss resulting from the closure. Staff who work there will be redeployed to other City-operated recreation facilities.
In 2021, Council approved the closure of Inglewood Aquatic Centre when MNP Community & Sport Centre’s Leisure Expansion Aquatics Project is completed. The expansion is expected to be complete in early 2027.
“The City’s $57.5 million investment into the Leisure Expansion Aquatics Project together with $7.5 million from the Lindsay Park Sports Society and $20 million from the Government of Alberta will provide a wider range of recreation programs and services that meet the needs of the greater downtown area, surrounding communities and all Calgarians,” says CEO of MNP Community & Sport Centre, Jeff Booke. “I’m looking forward to the exciting opportunities that the new amenities will bring.”
“While the project at MNP Community & Sport Centre is significant, further investment in other new, modernized recreation facilities is essential to serve Calgarians now and for generations to come,” says Heather.
Over the next three years, The City intends to conduct electrical work at three aquatic and fitness facilities annually until each have undergone the necessary repairs. This year, electrical repairs will be completed at Bob Bahan Aquatic & Fitness Centre, Canyon Meadows Aquatic & Fitness Centre and Sir Winston Churchill Aquatic & Recreation Centre. Electrical repairs were completed at Foothills Aquatic Centre during a recent temporary closure. The completion of electrical repairs at the remaining facilities will be prioritized based on urgency, minimizing disruption to customers and swim clubs, and coordinating with other planned repairs.
“City-operated aquatic and fitness facilities continue to require significant capital investment in repairs and maintenance and only limited enhancements can be achieved,” says Heather. “We need to consider rebuilding or replacing these facilities to better serve the evolving recreational needs of Calgarians.”
GamePLAN, a long-term vision and strategy to shape The City’s approach to delivering inclusive, accessible and sustainable recreation services for the next 10 to 30 years, will guide future business planning, investment and policy. In 2025, GamePLAN findings and recommendations will be presented to Council, including a Facility Investment Plan. This will help raise awareness of the poor state of public recreation infrastructure, the resulting negative impacts, and the need for immediate and sustained investment.
The City recognizes the value Inglewood Aquatic Centre has provided as a community recreation amenity contributing to the health and wellbeing of Calgarians, and acknowledges the closure of the facility will impact user groups and customers. A public celebration event is being planned to recognize the significance of this facility and celebrate its legacy.
More information on the celebration event will be provided at calgary.ca/InglewoodPool.
