Question of the Week - updated weekly

Since 2020, the City has been collecting frequently asked questions regarding the proposed Active Living Centre and the referendum process. Answers to these questions are available under the FAQ tab of this webpage, but we are also providing the information on the City's social media channels each week with a "Question of the Week." As the social media posts are shared, they will also be added to the news feed section of this webpage.

Want to find us on social media? You can follow the City on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn using the handle @CityofVernon.

Question of the Week - October 11

Q: What will happen to the Vernon Aquatic Centre after the referendum on October 15?

A: The existing Vernon Aquatic Centre is funded through the Greater Vernon Recreation Facilities and Programming Service Agreement with the District of Coldstream and RDNO Electoral Areas B and C. If electors vote in favour of the referendum question, the City of Vernon will be in discussions with the District of Coldstream and Electoral Areas B and C as to the future of the existing Aquatic Centre.

The Active Living Centre Feasibility Study recommends the existing aquatic centre be decommissioned and repurposed if a new facility is opened. Here is the proposed project timeline for the development of the Active Living Centre:

• Winter 2022: Project RFP process to get begin
• Spring 2023: Final planning and design process to begin (including further public consultation)
• Summer 2024: Construction to begin
• Fall 2026: Construction to be completed and facility to open

If electors vote against the referendum question, the proposed facility will not be constructed. The Vernon Aquatic Centre will remain in its current size and configuration and will continue to be maintained as reasonably possible on a regular maintenance schedule. Issues from aging infrastructure will continue to be addressed when they arise. The same type and number of aquatic programs that are offered today will continue as there is no ability to expand aquatic program capacity.

Question of the Week - October 3

Q: I will be out of town on October 15, 2022. How else can I vote in the Active Living Centre Referendum?

A: 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)

Question of the Week - September 27

Q: If the proposed Active Living Centre is built, will user fees be the same for all participants?

A: No. If electors in Vernon vote in favour of the referendum question, a differential fee structure will be created. User fees will be discounted for City of Vernon taxpayers, who will also be able to register for programs and classes one week before people who do not contribute through their taxes. This is a significant benefit to Vernon taxpayers, as programs (like swim lessons) are often at or near capacity. City of Vernon taxpayers will also be eligible for the Affordable Access Pass for those individuals who are financially disadvantaged.

Individuals and families from jurisdictions that do not contribute to the facility through their taxes will be able to pay an annual ‘membership’ fee in order to access the discounted fee structure.

Jurisdictions that wish all of their citizens to have access to the discounted user fee can enter into a Fee for Service Agreement with the City of Vernon.

Question of the Week - September 20

Q: Why don’t the conceptual drawings for the Active Living Centre feature more fixed aquatic play structures?

A: The proposed aquatics facility does not include permanent fixed amenities such as a wave pool or wave rider, which tend to lose public appeal after time and can be expensive to maintain. Instead, the recommendation is to use primarily portable play features to provide versatility for aquatic programming and have the ability to host 25m and 50m swim competitions.

Familiar features such as slides, interactive sprays, bubblers, a rock-climbing wall, water walking mat and rope swing can easily offer play opportunities, along with more dynamic portable amenities such as a floating Wibit or Ninjacross course that can be used on a rotational basis.

If electors vote in favour of the referendum question, another round of public engagement will take place during the design phase to help inform the final design of the facility, including what play features will be included in the pool.

Question of the Week - September 14

Q: How would the Active Living Centre meet the everyday indoor recreation needs of the community?

A: Based on extensive public input, there is a need to enhance the quantity and quality of indoor recreation facilities for the Vernon area. The proposed Active Living Centre is a multi-purpose facility that features a variety of wet and dry land spaces for many different types of users who are looking to participate in organized and casual sport and recreation activities. It is an inclusive, family-oriented facility designed for participants of all ages and abilities.

The aquatics area (which includes a 50m pool with two moveable bulkheads, a leisure pool, hot tubs and sauna) would offer more space, time and opportunities to provide high-demand aquatic programming such as swimming lessons, public swimming, lane swimming, aquatic fitness, aquatic therapy uses and competitive swimming.

The double gymnasium with multiple sport courts would increase the amount of available public gym space and the 150m walking/running track would offer Vernon’s first indoor synthetic walking surface. Additionally, the Active Living Centre includes an 80-station fitness centre with cardio equipment, resistance machines and free weights, and dedicated program spaces that could accommodate various activities such as fitness classes, courses, and children’s programming.

Question of the Week - September 5

Q: What is the financial impact for Vernon taxpayers, if the proposed Active Living Centre is developed?

A: If electors vote in favour of the referendum question, the first property tax increase related to the Active Living Centre project is expected to take place in 2024, with the following schedule:

• 2024: 3.5% increase for debt repayment
• 2025: 3.5% increase for debt repayment
• 2026: 3.5% increase for debt repayment + 0.4% increase for facility operating costs*
• 2027: 3.0% increase for debt repayment + 0.9% increase for facility operating costs

Question of the Week - August 29

Q: What is the Active Living Centre?

A: The Active Living Centre is a multi-purpose recreation facility with a mix of wet and dry land amenities intended to enhance the quantity and quality of indoor recreation facilities in the Vernon area.

The proposed facility includes:

• a 50m pool with two moveable 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
• a double gymnasium with multiple sport courts
• an 80-station fitness centre
• a 150m synthetic walking/running track
• multi-purpose activity and program spaces

Question of the Week - August 22

Q: Why is the City of Vernon holding a referendum on October 15th?

A: The City of Vernon is asking the public to approve the borrowing of 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). The Province of British Columbia requires public approval of long-term borrowing.