Media release: FAQs

19 August 2022

On Saturday, October 15, 2022, eligible voters in Vernon will be asked if they are in favour of the City of Vernon borrowing up to $121 million for the purpose of developing the proposed Active Living Centre – a new multi-purpose indoor recreation facility.

Over the next several weeks, the City will be providing a series of media releases with detailed information about the project, the results of extensive public and stakeholder engagement that helped shape the proposed facility, the funding strategy and impact for Vernon taxpayers, and much more.

All the information is also available right now at www.engagevernon.ca/activelivingcentre.

In addition to the website and media releases, Recreation Services staff will be hosting a series of information booths at upcoming community events and open houses. You can find details of those opportunities to chat with staff by visiting engagevernon.ca.

The City’s objective is to share accurate, fact-based information about the project to help voters make a well-informed decision on October 15. The City is also encouraging citizens to vote. This is a community-based decision and every voice matters. Your vote is your voice.

Below are the first few Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to the project and the upcoming referendum.

Why is there a referendum on this issue?
The Province of British Columbia requires public approval of long-term borrowing. The City of Vernon is asking the public to approve borrowing up to $121 million to plan, design, and construct a new multi-purpose indoor recreation facility called the Active Living Centre. The facility would be located at Kin Race Track Athletic Park (3501 43rd Avenue).

What is the question that will be asked on the voting ballot?
"Are you in favour of "Active Living Centre Loan Authorization Bylaw 5908" which would authorize the Corporation of the City of Vernon to borrow up to $121 million dollars, with interest, over a period not exceeding 30 years in order to finance the construction of an Active Living Centre to be located at 3501 43rd Avenue?"

Why is an Active Living Centre being recommended?
The proposed Active Living Centre is the result of recommendations made in the 2018 Greater Vernon Recreation Master Plan and subsequent Active Living Centre Feasibility Study. The Master Plan and Feasibility Study were informed by extensive public and stakeholder engagement, which identified:

There is a need for new indoor recreation opportunities and facilities in the Vernon area, including a new aquatics centre, gymnasiums, fitness centre, walking/running track, and dedicated program spaces; and
The Vernon Aquatic Centre no longer meets the current needs, and will not meet the future needs, of a growing community.

The proposed multi-use Active Living Centre includes: a 50m pool with two movable bulkheads (allows option to divide the pool into 3 activity areas or 2 x 25m swim areas); a leisure pool; hot tubs, sauna and steam room; double gymnasium with multiple sport courts; activity and program rooms; an 80-station fitness centre; and a 150m indoor synthetic walking/running track.

Who can vote in the referendum?
Qualified electors within the City of Vernon can vote in the Active Living Centre Referendum. Please visit www.engagevernon.ca/activelivingcentre to learn more about voter eligibility.

When, where, and how can I vote in the referendum?
General Voting Day for the Active Living Centre Referendum is Saturday, October 15, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Voting locations will be as follows:

Vernon Recreation Centre (3310 37th Avenue)
Fulton Secondary School (2301 Fulton Road)
Vernon Secondary School (2100 15th Street)

Advance voting is available between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on the following days:

Wednesday, October 5: Schubert Centre (3505 30th Avenue)
Wednesday, October 12: Vernon City Hall, Council Chambers (3400 30th Street)
Thursday, October 13: Vernon City Hall, Council Chambers (3400 30th Street

To vote in the referendum, visit any voting location on an Advance or General Voting Day, between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. and present two pieces of identification*. View the list of acceptable pieces of ID from Elections BC.

*Please note: the combined BC Driver's Licence and BC Care Card will be considered as ONE piece of ID.

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