Residents to Vote on Recreation Centre Modernization Options

During the 2025 General Municipal Election on October 20, 2025, Hinton residents can vote to indicate their support for three modernization options for the Dr. Duncan Murray Recreation Centre. 
 
 Each option has its own price tag and will be funded by borrowing, recreation centre revenues, increased taxes, and potentially grants or sponsorship. Here are the options.
 
 Maintain: Conduct major repairs to extend the facility’s life. Work starts immediately and is ongoing. Costs $32M capital + $77M operating over 25 years. Taxes will increase $15 per month on a $400,000 residential property.
 
 Expand: Conduct major repairs starting immediately then add a fieldhouse and other upgrades in eight years. Costs $83M capital + $88M operating over 25 years. Taxes will increase $35 per month on a $400,000 residential property.
 
 Build New: Build a new facility starting in approximately ten years. Costs $129M capital + $88M operating over 25 years. Taxes will increase $50 per month on a $400,000 residential property.

The modernization options are based on a report provided by Associated Engineering (Alberta) Ltd. It determined that 95% of the Dr. Duncan Murray Recreation Centre was in fair to very poor condition.

The Bill Thomson Arena was built in 1965 (60 years ago). The rest of the recreation centre opened in 1982 (43 years ago). To date, the Town has conducted regular necessary maintenance but has chosen not to raise taxes to save for a new recreation centre.

The results of the plebiscite vote are intended to provide an indication of support for different modernization options. However, plebiscites are non-binding, so the Mayor and Council elected on October 20, 2025 will decide the path forward.

What’s your vote? Learn more at Hinton.ca/engage.