Recreation Centre Modernization

Modernizing the Dr. Duncan Murray Recreation Centre has been discussed for over 12 years, but the cost to taxpayers remains prohibitive. Determining how to upgrade the centre is a Council priority.

On December 16, 2025, Council passed the 2026 Budget and included $1.45M to be paid annually into the recreation centre reserve (savings) account. In spring 2026, Council will undertake strategic planning and decide which recreation centre modernization option to pursue.

2012-2025 Activities

In 2012, residents completed surveys and attended information sessions to gauge support and need for an upgraded or new recreation centre. At that time, operational and maintenance decisions for the Dr. Duncan Murray Recreation Centre aligned with the Barr Ryder Report which had been updated in 2007.

In 2015, Town Council, community user groups, individuals, and Town administration collected information from the community to understand recreational needs of residents.

In 2016, a concept was created that illustrated modernization options.

• Community Open Houses were held.
• Feedback was collected to assist Council in gauging whether the proposed concept matched the needs of the community.
• Next steps included contracting a high-level design and identifying funds for the project. But the $56M to $69M price tag (in 2016 dollars) was a stumbling block.

In 2024, recreation centre upgrades included a new slide, chemistry controllers, steam unit, and a new recreation centre sign.

In October 2025, Hinton residents voted in a non-binding plebiscite on three different modernization options. The results are available here and are as follows.

1. Are you in favour of Option 1: Maintain? Yes 698; No 753
2. Are you in favour of Option 2: Expand? Yes 793; No 698
3. Are you in favour of Option 3: Build New? Yes 1,001; No 664

The vote results were intended to provide an indication of the public's support for different options.

2024 Recreation Centre Condition

In October 2024, Associated Engineering (Alberta) Ltd. (AE) assessed the value and condition of the recreation centre. They provided preliminary findings and costs for modernization options.

AE determined that 95% of the facility was in fair to very poor condition. Structural elements of the pool, Bill Thomson Arena, roof, and chiller systems were in poorer condition. The final AE report was produced in August 2025 and option costs were updated to reflect more detailed analaysis.

2025 Modernization Options and Costs

The AE report outlined three options and their costs, including operations and maintenance for 25 years (2025 to 2049). The Town then created financial models. The options are as follows.

Maintain: Major repairs to extend the facility’s life. Starts now. Ongoing.
Total estimated cost: $109M over 25 years ($32M in capital plus $77M in operating costs)
Estimated tax impact: $15 per month more ($180 per year) in property taxes for a $400,000 residential property.

Expand: Major repairs starting immediately and add a fieldhouse and other upgrades in approximately eight years. This will expand the facility and increase services.
Total estimated cost: $171M ($83M in capital plus $88M in operating costs)
Estimated tax impact: $35 per month more ($420 per year) in property taxes for a $400,000 residential property.

Build New: Build a brand new facility starting in approximately ten years
Total estimated cost: $217M ($129M in capital plus $88M in operating costs)
Estimated tax impact: $50 per month more ($600 per year) in property taxes for a $400,000 residential property.

• Estimated costs include funds for construction, operations, and maintenance over 25 years.
• Costs are projections and may change.

Estimated property tax impacts reflect forecasted increased taxes for the capital cost of each option. They do not take into account potential user fees, cost sharing agreements, and potential grants and sponsorships. There's more information here.

How Will Hinton Pay For This?

• Most costs would be paid for by Hinton residents via increased property taxes.
• Grants could potentially cover 10 to 40% of new construction costs for Expand or Build New options.
• Some costs could be offset by revenue from recreation centre admissions, rentals, program registrations, sponsorships, and memberships.
• No new programs or services would be offered beyond those currently planned, which include water/wastewater upgrades.
• Recreation centre modernization would be the only debt included in Hinton property tax rates over the next 20 years, beyond what's already planned.
• Yellowhead County residents may contribute through the Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework.
• The Town of Hinton and Yellowhead County have a robust Recreation Cost Sharing Agreement based on the population surrounding Hinton, which helps support Hinton’s recreational services. The current agreement expires on December 31, 2029 and Hinton anticipates continuing this relationship.*

What's Next?

On December 16, 2025, Council passed the 2026 Budget and included $1.45M to be paid annually into the recreation centre reserve (savings) account.

In spring 2026, Council will undertake strategic planning and decide which recreation centre modernization option to pursue.

Stay Informed

Understanding the needs of Hinton residents, potential costs, and funding options of a recreation centre modernization project, plus property tax implications for Hinton residents, are all essential for making an educated decision about potential modernization.

Public information about options and financial implications is available on this website, Facebook, by email to those who choose to be notified (see below), and in hard copies available at the Government Centre and other government buildings in Hinton.

Read the Frequently Asked Questions; AE Assessment, Options, and Costs; and 2016 10-Year Recreation Centre Strategy.

Do you have more questions? Submit them below or at Hinton Listens.