Active Living Centre project updates
INTRODUCTION
On October 15, 2022, citizens of Vernon voted 61% in favour of borrowing up to $121M to develop the Vernon Active Living Centre. The facility will be located at 3501 43rd Avenue, west of the Kal Tire Place and Kal Tire Place North twin arenas.
On November 28, Vernon City Council adopted Loan Authorization Bylaw #5908 to borrow up to $121M, inclusive of all costs, for the development and construction of the Active Living Centre.
On December 12, Vernon City Council endorsed the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) process to develop the facility. IPD has been approved by Mayor and Council as the collaborative framework that best ensures the Active Living Centre has a strong focus on accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability while creating a fun and family friendly environment.
IPD PROJECT TEAM
A City of Vernon Active Living Centre IPD project team has been established, including: Chris Sheel, Manager of Procurement, and Doug Ross, former Director, Recreation Services. They will oversee the project and act as the owner’s representatives. Joining Chris and Doug is Crystal Vandermeulen of VDM Consulting. The City's team is being assisted by an IPD Advisor, who is coaching and guiding the group through the implementation of the IPD model. The purpose of the IPD team is to facilitate the collaborative design, construction, and commissioning of the Active Living Centre.
THE IPD PROCESS
The IPD process has been adopted for an increasing number of public sector projects. The Canadian construction industry has been developing considerable capacity and valuable experience applying IPD for a wide range of major projects. An important aspect of IPD is that the model merges all parties into a single shared multi-party contract. It transforms the traditional Design-Bid-Build, low bid, change order, adversarial relationship, into one that is team focused and value added. IPD motivates the team using shared financial interests instead of ‘us’ and ‘them’. IPD is a highly collaborative process that is designed to encourage behaviours that lead to exceptional project performance and value. IPD selects and merges the architect, general contractor, and trade partners early on to form a team that together conducts a validation phase.
The owner’s representatives are embedded and work closely with the core team using Target Value Design and Building Improvement Modelling to firmly establish facts and figures regarding project design, cost, and schedule. The validation phase is conducted over approximately 4-months and all project partners together perform preliminary design, intensive cost estimating, and agree upon a Target Cost to owner for the project. This process delivers the kind of detailed and committed budget certainty early on that the City of Vernon requires for this high-profile project.
IPD not only establishes full participation and accountability from all contracted parties; it also creates the necessity by imbedding five structural elements. They are: early involvement of key participants, shared risk and reward based on project outcome, joint project control, reduced liability exposure, and jointly developed and validated targets.
ACTIVE LIVING CENTRE OBJECTIVES
In selecting and utilizing IPD, the City can achieve a higher level of confidence in ensuring the prioritization and delivery of the following objectives as established by Vernon City Council:
- Achieve the goal of the Greater Vernon Active Living Centre Feasibility Study, “to find an indoor facility mix that meets the current and future needs of a growing community and has the opportunity to attract new residents and visitors to the Greater Vernon area”.
- The facility is accessible, inclusive, fun, family oriented and designed for participants of all ages and abilities and includes all facility features as proposed in the Greater Vernon Active Living Centre Feasibility Study and provided to the public during the referendum communication campaign.
- The design of the Active Living Centre reflects the Syilx culture.
- The facility be net-zero ready.
- The facility meets or exceeds the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Gold Certification.
- Budget not exceeded.
- Projected facility opening date by September 2026.
The IPD team will use these objectives and embed them in the Active Living Centre project from the beginning. These objectives will be quantified and further refined during the validation phase.
PROPOSED PROJECT TIMELINE
In general, the IPD project process includes the following phases:
STAY UP-TO-DATE ON THE PROJECT
To help you stay totally up-to-date on the project progress, we have developed a dedicated website: www.vernonalc.ca. We encourage everyone to visit that webpage and continue to be part of this exciting project with us!
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Did you know - updated weekly
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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 "Did you know...?" feature. 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.
Did you know - October 13
Eligible voters in Vernon can vote between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. at any of the following locations:
- Vernon Recreation Centre Auditorium (3310 37th Avenue)
- Fulton Secondary School (2301 Fulton Road)
- ️Vernon Secondary School (2100 15th Street)
Voting is open to residents of all types, including property owners and those who rent. Voter registration takes place at the time of voting. Remember to bring two (2) pieces of identification.
Did you know - October 6
There are multiple major facilities in our community that were developed through a referendum process.
Kal Tire Place (1999), Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre (1999), Greater Vernon Athletics Park (2013), and Kal Tire Place North (2015) all exist due to referendums.
Did you know - September 29
The features and amenities within the proposed Active Living Centre are the result extensive public and stakeholder input.
The Active Living Centre Feasibility Study was conducted between October 2019 and April 2020. The Feasibility Study included a comprehensive public and stakeholder engagement process to ensure the proposed facility reflects what the public asked for, meets the current and future needs of residents, and also has the opportunity to attract new residents and visitors to the area.
Specific engagement activities that took place during the Feasibility Study included: an Elected Officials workshop; a direct mail random sample survey; an open house; three online surveys – one of which specifically sought input from youth; six focus groups; 10 pop-up events; and 21 stakeholder groups.
Did you know - September 22
The proposed Active Living Centre includes several dry land spaces to serve a growing community.
Currently, Vernon has two public gymnasiums; the Dogwood Gym and the Priest Valley Gym, which are used at or near capacity year-round for volleyball leagues, drop-in sports, camps, afterschool programs, playschool activities and public rentals.
If electors vote in favour of the referendum question, a double gymnasium in the Active Living Centre would significantly increase the amount of available public gym space and recreation opportunities for the community.
The 150m walking/running track, which would be located above the gymnasium, would offer participants Vernon’s first indoor synthetic walking surface.
The 80-station fitness centre would feature cardio equipment, resistance machines and free weights. Dedicated multi-purpose rooms would provide space for a variety of activities such as fitness classes, dance classes, general interest programs, and children’s programming.
Did you know - September 15
The aquatics area of the proposed Active Living Centre includes a 50m pool with 2 movable bulkheads.
A bulkhead is a structure that can separate a pool into different sections. With 2 movable bulkheads, a 50m pool can be separated into 2 x 25m sections or 3 areas of varying size (e.g., 12.5m, 12.5m, 25m). If built, this functionality would provide increased aquatic programming opportunities.
As an example: lane swimming could be taking place in one area of the pool, while the other areas are set up for public swim, aquatic exercises, or swim lessons.
Based on extensive public and stakeholder engagement, having a 50m pool with movable bulkheads would provide the desired goal of accommodating the everyday aquatic needs of the community while also having the ability to host events.
Did you know - September 8
The City of Vernon is committed to seeking grants, donations and naming rights revenues, as opportunities arise, to reduce the overall cost of the proposed Active Living Centre project and the impact for taxpayers.
Recently, the City applied for a grant of up to $6 million through the Canada Community Building Fund in British Columbia. If electors vote in favour of the referendum question and if the grant application is successful, the funds can be used toward the planning, design, and construction of the facility.
According to the grant administrator, information on the status of the City’s application is not expected to be available until the end of 2022 or the start of 2023.
Did you know - September 1
If the proposed Active Living Centre is built, it will be located at Kin Race Track Athletic Park, adjacent to Kal Tire Place.
Based on extensive public input during the #ActiveLivingCentre 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 adjacent to 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 facility.
Did you know - August 25
The proposed Active Living Centre is the result of extensive public consultation regarding the indoor recreation needs of residents in the Vernon area.
In 2018, Greater Vernon Recreation Services conducted a consultation process with the public, stakeholders, and elected officials in order to develop the Greater Vernon Recreation Master Plan. One of the Master Plan's many recommendations was to enhance the quantity and quality of local recreation facilities, including: indoor aquatics, community gymnasiums, dedicated program spaces and fitness/walking spaces.
In 2020, the Active Living Centre Feasibility Study was completed, which also included extensive engagement and consultation with the public, stakeholders and elected officials.
Through that consultation process, a preferred option was identified, to build a single multi-purpose recreation facility - the Active Living Centre.
The proposed facility includes a new aquatic centre which features a 50m pool with two moveable bulkheads, a leisure pool, hot tubs and sauna, an 80-station fitness centre, a 150m synthetic walking/running track, and dedicated program spaces.
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Question of the Week - updated weekly
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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 11Q: 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
*If built, the Active Living Centre is expected to be open in the Fall of 2026, thus requiring additional funds for operating costs.No more property tax increases are expected after 2027 for the purpose of repaying the debt to develop the Active Living Centre facility.To reduce the amount of money the City would have to borrow for the project, and to reduce the impact for Vernon taxpayers, the City is also actively pursuing major grant funding for the planning, design, and construction of the facility.
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.
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Media release: Community aquatic needs
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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 new aquatic centre and dry land spaces such as: 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.
To help voters make a well-informed decision, the City of Vernon is offering detailed information about the project and the referendum process through a series of weekly media releases leading up to general voting day on October 15.
What amenities are included in the proposed Active Living Centre aquatic area?
- 50m x 8 lane pool with 2 movable bulkheads
- Spring diving boards (1m and 3m)
- a leisure pool with play features, accessible entry, and 3 x 25m lanes
- Steam room and sauna
- Hot tubs
- On-deck viewing
- Pool support areas (i.e., change rooms, storage, spectator seating)
Photo above: a conceptual drawing of the leisure pool area.
What are the aquatic needs of the community, based on public consultation?
Currently, the Vernon Aquatic Centre features a 25m x 8 lane swimming pool, a leisure pool, and hot tubs. Based on the results of the 2018 Greater Vernon Recreation Master Plan and needs assessment, an additional 25m of indoor water is needed to appropriately serve the current and future aquatics needs of Vernon and the surrounding area.
During the Active Living Centre Feasibility Study, the public indicated its preferred option to attain more indoor water is to have a single aquatic centre with a 50m pool, rather than having two 25m pools in different locations.
“The Vernon Aquatic Centre puts a priority on Learn to Swim programs to ensure children in our community are safer around our surrounding lakes,” said Doug Ross, Director, Recreation Services. “Because more of the Aquatic Centre’s available water and pool time is dedicated to Learn to Swim programs, the ability to offer public swimming time is limited.”
Last Sunday (August 21), registration opened for Fall and Winter programming through Greater Vernon Recreation Services. Within the first 24 hours, most swim lesson programs were full and had full waitlists.
If electors vote in favour of the referendum question, an additional 25m of indoor water would become available in the community by Fall 2026, offering the ability to have more swim lesson capacity and multiple programs happening at the same time throughout the day (such as Learn to Swim programs and public swimming), rather than having to choose to offer just one at a time. This is because of the double bulkhead design of the 50m pool, which would allow for various configurations of the pool, such as 2 x 25m swim areas or 3 programmable sections.
Photo above: A conceptual drawing of the 50m pool with two bulkheads moved to create three separate programmable areas.
How could the proposed aquatic centre accommodate the everyday needs of the community and the ability to host events?
The proposed aquatic facility does not include fixed amenities such as a wave pool or wave rider, which may lose public appeal after time.
Instead, the recommendation is to include features such as a rock-climbing wall, water walking mat and rope swing, along with portable amenities such as a floating Wibit or Ninja course that can be brought out on a rotational basis.
This approach would provide versatility within the aquatic centre, while still offering the ability to host 25m and 50m swim competitions.
Photo above: a conceptual drawing of the 50m pool with full lane swimming.
What is the plan for the existing Vernon Aquatic Centre site if the Active Living Centre is approved?
The existing Vernon Aquatic Centre is funded through the Greater Vernon Recreation Facilities and Programming Service Agreement, with the District of Coldstream and Regional District of North Okanagan Electoral Areas B and C. Should Vernon electors vote in favour of the referendum and the Active Living Centre be built, 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 that if the Active Living Centre is built, the existing Vernon Aquatic Centre be decommissioned.
Where can I find more information?
Visit www.engagevernon.ca/activelivingcentre to learn more about the proposed facility, the results of public and stakeholder engagement regarding the project, and how to participate in 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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Media release: FAQs
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link19 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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City Council receives results of Active Living Centre Feasibility Study
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link27 May 2020
Vernon City Council has received the results of the Active Living Centre Feasibility Study, which includes a recommended preferred design option for future indoor recreation facilities for the Greater Vernon area.
The study was established as a result of the 2018 Recreation Master Plan, in which Greater Vernon residents identified a need for new indoor recreation opportunities. It was conducted by FaulknerBrowns Architects and staff from Greater Vernon Recreation Services.
The goal of the study was to find an indoor facility mix that meets the current and future needs of a growing community, while also having the opportunity to attract new residents and visitors to the Greater Vernon area.
“We have done a significant amount of public engagement and consultation during this study,” said Doug Ross, Director, Recreation Services. “We have spoken with and received feedback from thousands of Greater Vernon residents through pop-up events, stakeholder sessions, an open house, an online survey, an elected official’s workshop, and most recently, a statistically-valid controlled mail survey.”
Based on the results of the study, the recommendation is to build a new facility on the former Kin Racetrack site that includes: a 50m pool, leisure pool, double gymnasium, fitness centre, walking/running track and multi-purpose spaces.
“The feedback we received from Greater Vernon residents during the study was consistent with the Master Plan,” said Ross. “Each of the recreation spaces identified in the recommendation received strong public support – particularly a 50m pool – with an understanding that the construction and operation of a new or expanded facility would require an increase in taxation.”
“A vital aspect of the study was to fully understand the balance between what the community desires and what the community can afford,” continued Ross. “Throughout the process, the consultants listened carefully to public feedback and made several adjustments to the facility size and design to include the amenities requested by Greater Vernon residents while containing costs. Based on figures provided by the consultant team’s Quantity Surveyor, an Active Living Centre with all of the proposed amenities is estimated to cost approximately $83 million if built at one time (under a Class D estimate*).”
Annual operating costs of a new fully developed facility are estimated to be approximately $1.4 million. This includes the savings that would be realized through the decommissioning of the current Vernon Aquatic Centre once the new facility was open.
"If the full facility was built at one time, the tax implication for the debt servicing and operation of the facility for the average Greater Vernon household is estimated to be approximately $167 annually,” said Ross. “This amount could be reduced if we are able to secure grant funding or sponsorship dollars, but we don’t know what opportunities may exist in those areas at this time.”
As the public indicated that their preference was for Greater Vernon Recreation to only operate one aquatic facility, once a new 50m pool and leisure aquatics facility were being developed, another feasibility study would be required to determine how to repurpose the current Vernon Aquatic Centre.
The study provided several options for the development of the facility including building the facility all at one time or in phases. During its Regular Meeting of May 25, Vernon City Council supported in principle the conceptual plan for the Active Living Centre as presented, and the option to go to a referendum to borrow up to $90 million to build the full facility at one time.
“Our recreation facilities proudly serve residents of the entire Greater Vernon region, so before further steps can be taken we need to present the results of this feasibility study to the elected officials of the District of Coldstream and Electoral Areas B and C,” said Ross. “In order to go to referendum, we require unanimous support and direction from the elected officials of all the Greater Vernon Recreation Services funding partners.”
He continued, “At this time, we are all navigating the difficult impacts of COVID-19, however, it’s important to note that even if we receive direction to go to referendum, we would be another four or five years away from opening the doors to a new facility. This is a significant investment for our region and projects of this size take time and require careful consideration. We look forward to presenting the results of this study to our partners in the near future and to continue discussing how we might be able to take this project from the conceptual stage to a reality.”
To review the feasibility study results and stay up-to-date on the Active Living Centre process, visit www.gvrec.ca.
*Cost estimates are Class D +/- 25%. Cost based on May 2020 dollars, escalation anticipated before construction bid.
Below are conceptual designs for the proposed Active Living Centre facility.
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