Okotoks council approves $76.4M phased recreation centre expansion

Okotoks council has set direction for a $76.4 million phased expansion of the Okotoks Recreation Centre, choosing the option recommended by Town administration at its September 14 meeting.

The selected plan includes a new leisure water facility, renovation of the existing leisure pool, new change rooms, and supporting infrastructure to lay groundwork for future upgrades like a new lane pool, climbing wall, and other additions. Past community engagement found that a leisure pool was residents' highest priority for recreation assets.

Council considered two other options: construction of a new pool and change room only, estimated at $65 million, or renovating existing amenities with no new construction for $9 million. The Town said the lower-cost options carried higher risk of needing more upgrades sooner and at greater cost down the line.

Mayor Tanya Thorn said the decision reflects council's commitment to investing in recreation while planning for the town's future. "Council carefully considered the information available and selected the option it believes best balances community needs, long-term flexibility and fiscal responsibility," Thorn said.

Construction has not yet been approved. Next steps include detailed design work and other preliminary work to position the project as "shovel-ready" and eligible for future grant funding opportunities. Funding details and timelines will be determined at a later date.

The recreation centre opened in 1982 and was last updated in 2006. Town staff also presented a "dream" design that would cost at least $177 million. Property tax rose about 4 per cent in Okotoks this year, with half the increase — roughly $800,000 — directed to funding reserves for future projects.