Media release: How the proposed Active Living Centre fits within the Kin Race Track Athletic Park site
On October 15, 2022, eligible voters in Vernon will be asked if they are in favour of borrowing up to $121 million for the purpose of developing the Active Living Centre – a new multi-purpose indoor recreation facility.
The proposed facility includes a double gymnasium with multiple sport courts; an 80-station fitness centre; a 150m synthetic walking/running track; and multi-purpose activity and program spaces, as well as a new aquatic centre that features a 50m pool; leisure pool; hot tubs; sauna and steam room.
The City of Vernon is continuing its series of weekly media releases to share detailed project information to help voters make a well-informed decision on October 15th. This week, the City is providing more information on the location of the proposed facility, which is the newly designated Kin Race Track Athletic Park, near Kal Tire Place on 43rd Avenue.
Photo above: a conceptual drawing of the proposed Active Living Centre, located on the south end of the newly designated Kin Race Track Athletic Park at 3501 43rd Avenue.
What is Kin Race Track Athletic Park?
The City of Vernon has conducted an extensive public planning process for the development of the former Kin Race Track lands, located at 3501 43rd Avenue.
Based on Council direction and public consultation, the lands will be developed as a year-round outdoor athletic park and will include: outdoor sports fields; indoor and outdoor ice surfaces; recreational trails; a dog park; and natural wetland trails.
Additionally, a portion of the land has been designated for the construction of a new indoor recreation facility – the Active Living Centre. If approved by voters, the facility will be built at the south end of the park, near Kal Tire Place.
Are Kin Race Track Athletic Park and the Active Living Centre part of the same development project?
No. These are two separate projects for the City of Vernon. The planning and development process for Kin Race Track Athletic Park is not part of this referendum.
If electors vote in favour of the referendum question, the $121 million budget will be used for the development of the Active Living Centre and the land required for the facility. However, planning and design of the Active Living Centre project will consider future plans for the Kin Race Track site, to ensure construction activities are completed in an effective and efficient manner for future development of the athletic park and that the Active Living Centre complements the future Kin Race Track Athletic Park.
When will Kin Race Track Athletic Park be developed?
At its June 13, 2022 Regular meeting, Council endorsed a concept plan for Kin Race Track Athletic Park and directed staff to conduct Geotechnical, Environmental, Archeological and Traffic Impact Assessments on the site. Once those assessments are completed, staff will prepare a recommendation for Council’s consideration regarding a funding strategy and project phasing plan.
Do the two projects have to be developed at the same time?
No. If electors vote in favour of the referendum question, the Active Living Centre can be constructed and opened before the completion of Kin Race Track Athletic Park.
Why build the Active Living Centre near Kal Tire Place?
Based on extensive public input during the Active Living Centre Feasibility Study, a single, multi-purpose recreation facility is the preferred option. It is estimated that $300,000 can be saved annually by operating one aquatic facility with a 50m pool instead of 2 separate 25m pools in different locations. By building the facility near Kal Tire Place, additional cost savings and increased energy efficiencies can be realized by taking advantage of heat recapture technology; using the heat loss from the arenas to assist in heating the new Active Living Centre.
Where can I find more information about Kin Race Track Athletic Park?
Visit www.engagevernon.ca/kin-race-track to learn more about the Kin Race Track Athletic Park planning process and to see a conceptual drawing of the park layout.
Where can I find more information about the Active Living Centre?
Visit www.engagevernon.ca/activelivingcentre to learn more about the proposed Active Living Centre project and the referendum process. If you have questions about the above information, please contact Doug Ross, Director, Recreation Services, at dross@vernon.ca.
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