Samantha NickersonFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2021
The Town of Cochrane is providing notice to Rocky View County to terminate the existing agreements related to the ownership and operation of the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre (SLSFSC) and Cochrane Arena, with a goal of pursuing updated agreements that represent the best interest of both municipalities.
Both SLSFSC and the Cochrane Arena are jointly owned by the Town of Cochrane and Rocky View County, as well as the lands on which the facilities are located. The facilities are managed and operated by the Spray Lake Sawmills Recreation Park Society, which is governed by a board of volunteers including active citizens, community stakeholders and Town and County Council representatives.
“Council is committed to pursuing the best outcome for our community with regards to the continued delivery of recreation services. As we look to terminate the existing agreements, it provides an opportunity to work with Rocky View County and the Society to collaboratively pursue a renewed operating and ownership model that best serves both of our communities.”
said Mayor Genung.
The Town of Cochrane is party to two agreements in relation to the operation of both the SLSFSC and the Cochrane Arena: the lease and operating agreement and the reimbursement agreement. The lease and operating agreement was jointly signed between the Town of Cochrane, Rocky View County and the Society on June 22, 2017 for a term of 15 years.
The Town of Cochrane and Rocky View County will work together with the Society to determine an appropriate ownership and operating model that supports the best interest of both Town of Cochrane and Rocky View County residents.
The SLSFSC facility was originally constructed in 2001 and included a hockey arena and indoor turf. In 2004, the facility was expanded to include a field house, indoor turf, double gymnasium, 3-lane track and fitness centre. At this time, the Society also took over managing the original Cochrane Arena, which was constructed in 1974. In 2009, the facility was expanded again to include an additional two hockey arenas. This was followed by another major expansion in 2017 to include a curling and aquatic centre.
Facility users should not anticipate any changes to service delivery as these agreements are reviewed and updated.
