Officials and users of the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre (SLSFSC) celebrated the grand opening of the second elevator at the sports centre. Total funding of $290,025 resulted in the build of the elevator that will be of particular assistance to seniors, parents with strollers and people with mobility concerns – to get them to the second level of the sports complex and significantly closer to the Seniors on the Bow (SOTB) Centre at the far corner of the building. List of contributors include: Town of Cochrane $150,000; Rocky View County $54,525; Federal Accessibility Grant $45,500; SOTB $25,000; Bow RiversEdge Campground $10,000; and Cochrane ATB Financial $5,000. General contractor for the elevator project was Cochrane's White Rose Construction. Banff-Airdrie MP Blake Richards attended the ceremony and delivered a few congratulatory words to highlight that "this facility is the envy of the province ... other communities want to be like Cochrane." Mayor Jeff Genung reflected on bringing his 97-year-old grandmother to the second floor for the fall 2017 mayoral forum that kicked off the municipal election last year. SOTB Past SOTB chair Jane White highlighted the bustling facility has programming to suit all ages and stages of senior life – from active triathletes to those with limited mobility reliant of devices or assists. "With the elevator open it's cut the distance (for seniors travelling to the facility)," said White, adding that the centre has recently obtained its charitable status and is encouraging supporters to donate in exchange for a tax receipt. White said that SOTB is looking to connect with new residents or those looking to boost activity and social connectivity by becoming members. The non-profit society aims to improve life for adults 50 years of age and up – so many who might not necessarily identify as seniors are welcome to join. The link with the curling, swimming, gym and exercise class facilities offers a bevy of programs for all ages, stages and ranges. The 5,000-square-foot facility located at SLSFSC offers a commercial kitchen, presentation rooms and a variety of programming, games and entertainment. Membership is $30 and can be found online at cochrane.ca, by stopping by the centre or calling 403-932-6002. White gave a nod to the recent approval of on-demand transit will see mini-buses on the road by Sept. 1, 2019, where users will be able order a bus to pick up and drop off throughout town during daytime and early evening hours through the convenience of an app on their phones. The buses will improve access to Seniors on the Bow.
