While offering added security is definitely a priority of some further improvements planned at the Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex in Lacombe, one of the enhancements will ensure the City receives its fair share of funding for those outside our community using the facility.

Among the improvements approved by City Council this week, is adding a control gate at the pool reception window, providing increased security for the change rooms and helping to better track users according to Councillor Jonathan Jacobson.

“We have an intermunicipal agreement that allows us to collect money back either from the County of Lacombe or the municipality of Blackfalds for a percentage of the people who come and use the pool.  We can’t collect that if we don’t have accurate statistics on where the people live that are using it”.

“Accurate statistics will allow the city to recuperate many more times the $55,000 investment in money back from our neighbouring municipalities.  Have a more equitable model for the operation of the pool and of course in turn costing less money for the citizens of Lacombe to have that facility”.

Jacobson says it would provide a more equitable model and in turn costs less for Lacombe taxpayers to have that facility.

$55,000 is the cost for the control gate.

In total, nearly $83,000 in additions are planned following council’s approval Monday night, money the city still has available due some costs savings during the recent renovation.

The curling club will also receive some security gates to help them cordon off unused areas of their facility to improve security.

Other enhancements to be made include adding some heating to the accessible viewing area in Can Pak Arena 1 for patrons in wheelchairs, adding tempered glass on the 2nd floor of that arena in the small platform area suited to patrons using mobility device to protect against falls over the railing and protection from errant pucks and also adding handrails in Can Pak 1 in the west bank of bleachers.