Fort Saskatchewan City Council has taken a significant step toward enhancing the community’s recreational infrastructure, approving the design scope for a new aquatic centre during the regular Council meeting held on April 8.
The approved design reflects extensive community input and planning, with Council selecting an option that balances resident priorities, long-term value, and integration with the existing Dow Centennial Centre. The facility’s estimated cost ranges from $70 million to $72 million, supported in part by a $5.6 million contribution from Dow Canada. The investment may result in an estimated annual property tax increase of $255 to $260 for a typical household.
The selected design includes a comprehensive range of aquatic features intended to serve users of all ages and abilities. Key amenities will include a 10-lane lap pool, leisure and tot pools, a hot tub, sauna, steam room, and a cold plunge pool — all with full ramp accessibility. Recreational features will include a lazy river, two large water slides, a drop slide, diving boards, a water play structure, a water climbing wall, and a suspended obstacle course. A dedicated viewing and relaxation area for spectators and families is also part of the plan.
The project includes upgrades to the Dow Centennial Centre lobby and a connecting corridor to the new aquatic facility, along with site improvements such as at least 140 additional parking stalls and a ring road around the northwest parking lot.
Next steps in the process include a capital budget update on June 24, followed by a series of borrowing bylaw readings throughout the summer. If approved, detailed design work will begin in fall 2025, with construction anticipated to start in spring 2026.
More information is available at fortsask.ca/NewAquaticsProject.
