Design team hired for proposed high school/rec facility in Coaldale

Croil noted that public engagement will be a key component of this phase of the project.

“We’re (Palliser and the Town) both committed to public engagement on what these facilities look like and what they include,” Croil said.

“However, Palliser School Division is responsible for their own engagement on their school facility and we’re responsible for our own engagement on the rec facility.”

He said the facilities will look a little different, but the Town will be responsible for the design of the multi-use recreation centre. The Town plans to host a number of open community sessions to hear residents’ thoughts on what should be included at the rec centre and how it should look.

He did note, however, that the facilities will be connected in some way.

“I can’t speak to this building or this facility yet, because we don’t have the design in place but if you look at other examples – the Town of Strathmore’s high school and rec centre for instance – there can be a number of different approaches taken,” he said.

“It could be two facilities connected by a breezeway or two facilities that are fully integrated with one another, that share lobby space and certain other features or any combination of how those facilities are combined, but they will be physically connected, for sure.”

Throughout the months of September and October, the Town will work with the Sport & Recreation Working Group to meet with Coaldale’s user groups and organizations.

The goal there is to discuss what amenities are desired and can be included at the new facility. Following this, the Town will move on to holding community meetings.

Croil addressed concerns they’ve heard from residents in regard to the location chosen for the facility.

Site A is the name of the block of land and is located in the northwest part of the town. People who live south of Highway 3 and the train tracks would have to cross them to access the site.

“That location was chosen based on a directive of council, based in part on significant analysis and research regarding how and where the town’s best suited to grow over time,” he said.

“That culminated in the Town’s annexation approval in April of 2018, and also based in part on additional analysis on the site that was selected, which was completed more recently.”

He said that overall, there’s “generally a level of excitement” on having a facility like a new rec centre in Coaldale, especially with it being combined with a high school.

More details on the project can be found here.

The design phase could take up to nine months to complete.

by Justin Goulet

Design team hired for proposed high school/rec facility in Coaldale

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