At yesterday’s regular meeting, Okotoks Town Council directed Administration to begin formal planning and procurement processes with Christ the Redeemer (CTR) Catholic Schools to install an outdoor rink/multi-use sport court at the John Paul II Collegiate junior high school site. The site location was approved at the February 28 Council meeting. Pending planning requirements and purchasing timelines, the $500,000 capital project is expected to be completed later this year.
“The Town is pleased to be partnering with Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools on this exciting community project. We look forward to providing this long-desired amenity to our residents,” said Christa Michailuck, Town of Okotoks Parks Manager.
“Christ The Redeemer (CTR) Catholic Schools is excited about the potential that we see in this partnership with the Town of Okotoks and the opportunity to enhance physical education programming for our students,” said Michael Kilcommons, Associate Superintendent of CTR.
The approved site is jointly owned by the Town and CTR and is zoned as Recreation and Open Space District which supports the scope of the project. The rink will be located in the oversized parking lot area, currently used for sport court activities, and will formalize the space.
The multi-use rink will be open year-round, contain ice during the natural ice season (approximately December to late-February) and accommodate activities such as lacrosse, floor hockey and in-line skating in the off-ice season. The facility will be included in the reciprocal use agreement with CTR to balance use between school curriculum activities and public. Outside of school use, the space will be predominately used for unprogrammed drop-in leisure activities with the potential for some booking opportunities. Day-to-day maintenance will be provided by the Town.
Council approved Administration’s design recommendations to provide accessible and inclusive elements such as transparent panels on one or both sides, wider gate openings, and pathway connections. Administration will work closely with CTR to ensure operational needs are addressed including parking and parent drop-off. The Town will also engage with local sports organizations to ensure other appropriate design elements are incorporated. The designs are expected to include a board system to facilitate hockey play; a chain link fence to retain pucks/balls for year-round recreation use; lighting to accommodate evening use; and screening fencing to provide shade to prolong natural ice.
Project information and updates will be at www.okotoks.ca/construction once more details become available.