The second phase of Genesis Place is complete and City staff reported the fitness institution is doing swimmingly, Sept. 20.
The report, delivered by Genesis Place Manager Greg Lockert, broke down the numbers from Jan. 1 to Aug. 31 and results pleased City councillors.
“It’s nice to see,” said Mayor Linda Bruce of the update. “We’re looking forward to what you do in Phase III.”
Phase II was pegged at $28 million but has cost the City $26 million to date.
The number of annual passes rose from 859 in the first seven months of 2009 to 1,526 in 2010, an increase of $345,200.
Profits are up dramatically as the facility has raked in $813,200 year-to-date compared to $572,000 in 2009. Personnel costs have also risen from $1.38 million in 2009 to $1.8 million this year, which Lockert attributed to the Phase II expansion.
Genesis Place has also seen an increased interest from user groups renting out the facility including the Airdrie Home and Garden Show, Airdrie District Soccer Association and Rocky View Lacrosse Association, said Lockert.
St. Martin de Porres High School held their graduation at Genesis Place in June and Bert Church and George McDougall have expressed interest.
Elite Canada and the fitness faculty are setting up dates for a 2011 national trampoline competition.
With 200,000 residents through the doors so far this year, Lockert is confident that number will continue to increase.
“You’re doing a great job and it’s something we can all be proud of,” said Ald. Marlene Weaver.
Ald. Richard Siemens said when he came onto council in 1992, he believed aquatic centres would never become profitable.
“I’m certainly glad you proved that wrong,” he said to Lockert.
Genesis Place plans to initiate the design of Phase III within a year.
