They said it would be open by Thanksgiving weekend and it will be – for American Thanksgiving that is.
The Town of Innisfil’s new recreational centre in Barclay will open with a gala three-day weekend event beginning Friday, Nov. 21, says Deputy Mayor Gord Wauchope.
“Everything will be free as of Friday night to Sunday,” says Wauchope. “It will give people a chance to try out the pool, the gym and all the other facilities for free.”
Even the Innisfil Lakers Friday night game will be no charge.
“We’ll add as much free ice time for public skating as we can on the opening weekend too.”
While Wauchope admits, “we were hoping the rec centre would have been open, everything is finally falling into place. We can only look forward to November now. I guess some people are a little put off but the Town and the YMCA want to make sure everything is done proper. We want our people to feel proud and the Y wants to ensure their people are trained and their programs are ready to go.”
He’s enthused about the YMCA’s manager, Chris Roos.
“He’s young and eager,” Wauchope says. “We’re glad to have him.”
The YMCA staff team is currently undergoing training and will be ready to offer Innisfil residents a wide variety of programming once the centre is up and running.
As of Friday, Oct. 10, the gymnasium was complete, much of the exercise equipment has arrived and the two pools are full of water.
“The quality of workmanship is great,” Wauchope says. “The Town is pleased and I’m very pleased with the facility. I think the public will be amazed. Some people for out-of-town have said ‘It’s beautiful. We wish we had one like this.’”
Another comment Wauchope has heard is that ‘ outside of Toronto, this is one of the nicest facilities we’ve seen.’ They say the complex idea is great having hockey, swimming, a gym and baseball and soccer all together.”
A number of finishing touches will be done during the next four weeks.
“We want to make sure everything is clean and we’re still on budget,” Wauchope adds.
“It’s been a long time coming from the hole in the ground to where it is now,” Wauchope says. “The Mayor, and Council, will be very relieved when the facility is open.’
Today's Weather 
Light snow and -12°C
Light snow and -12°C
