Two West Country recreation facilities will benefit from part of a $4.2 million Alberta government grant through the Active Communities Initiative— which aims to make significant improvements to sport and recreation facilities across the province, including key upgrades in Clearwater County and Sundre.

In Clearwater County, the Rocky Rod and Gun Club is among the 12 projects funded, ensuring more community members can engage in outdoor and recreational activities year-round.

Rocky Rod and Gun Club administrator Jane Henderson says the organization is eligible for a $170,000 matching grant for improvements at the range.

She credits the Rocky Chamber of Commerce for helping the organization with the extensive paperwork to apply for the grant. Henderson also credits Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre MLA Jason Nixon with making the organization aware of the grants – adding that three projects in his riding (Rocky, Sundre, Lacombe County) all got approved for funding.

She adds, the Rocky Rod and Gun Club will announce more details on what they’ll spend the grant money on early in the New Year.

In Sundre, the Sundre Aquatic Centre will receive $119,000 in funding to help cover the cost of a recent, $200,000 pool shutdown.

The expensive shutdown, which required the pool to be completely drained earlier in 2024, included a large suite of critical improvements, says pool manager Kari McQuaid.

Those include new grout, new water diverters to become compliant with Alberta Health, two new pumps, lighting, blinds, paint, and other general maintenance, she says.

McQuaid, who manages the privately-run, non-profit pool, said a staffer put in a lot of work to apply for the grant, and it was a celebratory atmosphere when they found out on Dec. 13.

Even with the shutdown complete and grants in place, a pool manager’s job is never done, she adds with a laugh.

“It’s a building that’s over 20 years old now,” say McQuaid. “Hopefully we can keep it maintained for years to come, because it’s such a value to the community.”

Officials with the Sundre Aquaplex say the facility recently underwent a $200,000 shutdown to allow for completion of critical maintenance projects. (Sundre Aquaplex/Kari McQuaid)

The initiative is designed to increase access to recreational spaces, promoting healthier, more active communities.

Minister of Tourism and Sport Joseph Schow emphasized the importance of these upgrades, stating, “We’re building healthier families and more resilient communities by helping create and improve spaces so that more Albertans can be more active more often.”

The projects supported by this funding reflect Alberta’s commitment to ensuring every community, big or small, has access to modern, high-quality recreational infrastructure. This initiative aims to foster connection, well-being, and physical health across the province.

Projects supported through this round of Active Communities Initiative funding:

• Athabasca Regional Multiplex Society – Athabasca
• Greater Forest Lawn 55+ Society – Calgary
• Winsport – Calgary
• Rocky Rod and Gun Club – Clearwater County
• Grande Prairie Pickleball Club – Grande Prairie
• Hardisty Lakeview Golf Association – Hardisty
• Medicine Lodge Ski Club – Lacombe County
• Legal Curling Club – Legal
• West Sturgeon Agricultural Society – Sturgeon County
• Sundre Aquatic Centre – Sundre
• Rotary Club of Whitecourt – Whitecourt
• IQ Tennis and Pickleball Centre – Edmonton
• The next round of Active Communities Initiative funding will be announced in the coming months.