Swift Current City Council has approved the budget and the contracts for construction of an all-weather track at the Comprehensive High School.
The city and Chinook School Division will split the almost $1.3 million price tag 50/50.
“The timeline would be to get started as soon as we are able to in spring,” said Director of Recreation and Parks Dean Robson. “Based on ground moisture I think it will. Our anticipation is we would be done prior to the fall and the school season for the comp athletic season and also for the general public.”
Full interview with Dean Robson
The city has been exploring the concept of an all-weather track for several years and at one point were looking at a much larger project that would include the replacement of an entire field. That concept was cost prohibitive, but a partnership with the school division made the scaled down project possible.
“The all-weather track will replace the existing 6-lane dirt track,” Robson said. “It will be replaced by an 8-lane all-weather synthetic service track and amenities... you discuss, your traveling, those types of areas would have that type of surface.”
The Chinook School Division board had previously approved their portion of the budget, while City Council did the same on Tuesday. Councillor Ron Toles was the lone dissenting voice.
Full interview with Councillor Ron Toles
“I'm not opposed to the all-weather track,” Toles said. “I'm opposed to the way it was being funded. It just seems to me that we're spending more than our share based on what we are getting in return... if we get 50% use of the track then I'm more in favour it, but I know that the schools are going to be using it more... we know they are going to get the lion's share of the use no question.”
Toles noted if they knew for sure they were getting a Saskatchewan Summer Games as a result of the track than he would change his vote, but his opposition was based on the information he has now. A few councillors sited the need for amenities in line with what other municipalities have.
“We're one of the only regions without it,” said Mayor Jerrod Schafer. “It makes us a draw for other communities in the southwest to use our track. It's going to be something that any member of our community can enjoy in the evening.”
Playtech Enterprises Inc. won the contract for synthetic surfacing work. Civil work on the project will be performed by South Rock Ltd.
Sat, May 4, 10:00 AM
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