By KEVIN BERGER, Local Journalism Initiative
City of Martensville councillors passed a motion at their April 7 meeting to extend the operating season of the Martensville Aquatic Centre by one week to the end of August, which could lead to future season extensions if the decision works out.
Traditionally, the Martensville Aquatic Centre concludes operations on the Sunday prior to the final week of August, largely due to a lack of staffing availability.
However, a number of residents have expressed interest in accessing the aquatic centre during that final week in August, and the matter has been discussed by council multiple times.
Having now examined the cost of extending the centre’s operating season, administration recommended that the operating hours of the Aquatic Centre continue operating from August 24-30, 2026, though the hours will shift to 1-7 p.m. daily.
“We want to give this a try,” said Director of Recreation and Community Services Roxane Melynk.
The new 1-7 p.m. operating schedule, which roughly equates to 42 additional hours that the centre will stay open, would help the city manage the reduced staffing and additional costs from keeping the facility open longer than usual, Melnyk indicated in her report.
According to some calculations presented to council, keeping the Aquatic Centre open one week longer would result in $9,000 in extra staffing costs and $10,300 in additional operating costs (utilities, maintenance, etc.)
However, it would also potentially generate $16,000 in revenue, based on the historical data that shows the Aquatic Centre generated $24,000 in revenue during the third week in August of 2024. The revenue total would ultimately be influenced by weather conditions and factors like the precise date when students return to school.
When council was asked for feedback, Councillor Spencer Nikkel thanked Melynk for putting together the report and the recommendation to keep the centre open a little longer. He added that he was “glad to at least try it out” this year, even if the weather doesn’t ultimately prove accommodating.
With council having approved the recommendation, news of the extended hours will be communicated to residents through the Summer Program Guide, the city’s website, social media channels and on-site signage at the Aquatic Centre.