Cochrane’s new pool multiplex has brought its fundraising up to $4.8 million and is on target for a handover date of June 30, 2017.
The Cochrane and Area Warm Water Therapy Pool Society presented a cheque for $81,606.21 to the fundraising arm, Rock the Waves, at the Nov. 14 council session.
This total fundraising goal for the project is $10.6 million, with any shortfall to be covered by MSI grant monies.
Suzanne Gaida, senior manager of community services for the town, presented a monthly construction update, indicating that as of the end of October $493,658 remained in the project’s contingency fund, which represents 4.4 per cent of the remaining project cost of $11,104,245.
Gaida said that the town is close to finalizing an operating agreement with Rocky View County and Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre (SLSFSC) for the sports centre to renew its contract with the town and county for another 15 years.
Barb Gibson, managing director of the Cochrane Curling Club, said town curling groups have also been raising funds and providing support for the project in any way they can.
“We’re telling everyone that every dollar counts,” said Gibson.
The total project cost was bumped up this fall to $48 million from $45 million due to incomplete blueprints, unforeseeable ground conditions that have extended the project by three months and cost overruns (not enough of a contingency fund).
Gaida does not foresee any further overruns at this point; monthly construction updates will continue to be provided to council.
