Hardisty: Newer, Better, Faster, Stronger

March 10, 2012

Edmontonians celebrated the re-opening of the newly renovated Hardisty Fitness and Leisure Centre by playing underwater hockey, learning to snorkel and working out with a personal trainer. Hardisty is the latest of the City’s recreation centres to undergo renovations.

The Government of Alberta provided $6.2 million of the total $6.4 million project cost through the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI). The City of Edmonton provided the other $200,000.
 
Major improvements include a new whirlpool, sauna, steam room and family change room. Additional upgrades include an updated heating and cooling system and energy system, a new roof and windows, separation of the pool area from the lobby space, retiling of all interior spaces, new parking lot and sidewalks, and new acoustic panels.
 
The revamped leisure centre also boasts artwork by Jeff Kulak, an Edmonton artist and designer. The art installation consists of a large, bold, abstract representation of water that is repeated on the interior walls of the pool area. The artist's intention is to heighten awareness of the space, amplify the physical experience of swimming and give character to the interior without being overwhelming.
 
“These major improvements to Hardisty Fitness and Leisure Centre will make the experience more enjoyable for visitors,” said Mayor Stephen Mandel. “Thanks to a partnership with the province, we are now able to offer a more efficient, vibrant and fun facility. These community spaces are an important part of the vitality of our city and one of the many reasons Edmonton is a great place to call home.”
 
“This project is an excellent example of how our Municipal Sustainability Initiative program is being used to invest in communities,” said Doug Griffiths, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “Reinvigorating and improving these types of facilities provides a place for our children families and seniors to meet, play, learn and grow. I’m sure this facility will be well used as a community hub for many years to come.”

The Government of Alberta’s 2012 budget provides $896 million in MSI funding to support municipal infrastructure projects with $167 million going to the City of Edmonton. Since the program began in 2007, the City of Edmonton has received $735 million through MSI.

MSI is a demonstration of the Government of Alberta’s commitment to provide significant long-term funding to enhance municipal sustainability and enable municipalities to meet the demands of growth. Municipalities determine projects and activities to be funded by MSI based on local priorities within the general criteria set out in the program guidelines and are encouraged to take a long-term approach to planning for capital projects.

The City of Edmonton, together with its partners, is working toward creating sustainable recreation, active living and sports opportunities for current citizens and future generations. Improvements to existing recreation facilities such as Hardisty help transform Edmonton and reflect City Council’s commitment to building a vibrant city that is welcoming to all and offers residents the opportunity to enjoy a high quality of life.

Hardisty, located at 10535 65 St., re-opened to the public on March 7, 2012 after being closed since December 2010.

For more information:

Debi Winwood

City of Edmonton
Community Services

Title	Communications Officer
Telephone	780-944-7528

Michelle Davio

Title	Communications, Alberta Municipal Affairs
Telephone	780-427-8862