Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
Peace River town council has approved an increase of funding to the Hot Tub Replacement Project, officially moving the project ahead.
“The budget was $990,000 and to date since 2022, $225,578 has been spent on demolition and plans,” says Mayor Elaine Manzer.
“The (only) approved tender came in at $1,432,343. With a continency of $143,234 and project administration from the remaining AME Contract Commitment, the total cost is $1,605,577.”
On April 14, council approved an increase of $845,579 to the 2025 Capital Budget for the hot tub replacement at the Peace Regional Pool. The new total budget approved is $1,610,000.
“$653,590 will be funded from the Municipal Sustainability Initiative Grant, $46,000 from a reserve and a generous $800,000 from Northern Sunrise County,” says Manzer.
“This is obviously a large and expensive project, and it has taken several budget cycles to decide to do the project. The decision was helped with the knowledge gained through a study of the life cycle of the pool which indicated that the building would likely last another 15 years or so, if maintenance on several elements, like the hot tub, slide, mezzanine at the top of the slide stairs and some other items was done.”
Manzer says updates were done to the steam room a few years ago and this was the next step to improving the structure.
“Surrounding municipalities also helped fund the major work on the HVAC system several years ago,” explains Manzer.
“Also, looking at the cost of a new pool, a low estimate being $35 million, this and upcoming work seemed to be fiscally responsible. Users will have the use of the hot tub and upcoming slide before a new building is possible.”
Manzer says the project has been a long time coming, with the hot tub being out of operation since 2022. She says the Town is now hoping to have all the work done by early winter, with work starting during the usual fall month-long shut down.
“All ages of swimmers use it (the hot tub) including those at swim meets, others like the therapeutic benefits,” she says.
“This is a large amount of money and at the same time is reasonable for a facility that has thousands of users both from Peace River and from the surrounding area each year including school programs and others where many learn to swim.”
Manzer notes the original examination of what was thought to be a small leak was found to be a major leak that involved pipes incased in concrete and work in deep tight areas. She says when the contractor made this known, the initial repair was stopped for more investigation arriving at the complete hot tub replacement.
“The indoor pool is one of the amenities that people of all ages can use at relatively inexpensive rates,” she explains.
“It is one of the amenities, those considering moving to Peace River consider an attraction.”
Manzer explains although municipal recreation facilities are not money makers, and often do not break even, they are crucial to a happy lifestyle for residents and an attraction for people considering moving there.
“The Baytex is a modern well-used facility and the debenture the Town owes on it will be paid off close to the time the discussion will need to happen about a new pool,” explains Manzer.
“The Town tries to maintain the other recreation facilities such as the spray park, skate park, other trails and parks by keeping an eye on their condition and planning for renewing certain elements on a regular basis as the Town’s budget can manage.”
Manzer says the Town is very thankful that Northern Sunrise County was able to contribute $800,000 to make the hot tub project possible.
“We thank them and the County of Northern Lights and M.D. of Peace who helped with the HVAC project a few years ago,” she says.
“These recreation services are also partially funded by Intermunicipal Collaboration Program Agreements that the Town has with all three municipalities that surround the town.”