Petition for new pool
Darren Handschuh - Feb 22, 2018 - Biz Releases

Image: File photo
A online petition is asking people to tell the mayor area citizens want a new aquatic centre.

An online petition is asking people to tell the mayor that area citizens want a new aquatic centre, but Akbal Mund said a new pool is already on the radar.

The petition is trying to collect 500 names and as of Wednesday afternoon, it was sitting at just over 200.

Mund said he is aware of the petition and a new aquatic centre is scheduled to be talked about in 2019.

“It will be part of the master recreation plan that is being undertaken,” said Mund, adding a new aquatic centre was discussed by the current council shortly after they were elected.

“We had other amenities that were coming online like Kal Tire North. You have to go one at a time. You can’t just build a bunch of amenities,” he said, adding public approval is needed for all projects of such magnitude.

“The next thing is the cultural centre and museum. That might make the referendum, hopefully this time around and if it does then I think you will look at the pool on the next round,” said Mund. “You’re looking at an investment of $35-40 million.”

The petition states: “Swimming and water fitness is a growing culture in our area. Not only is it great for wellness, competition and recreation, but it is also a necessary life skill living in the Okanagan. The Vernon Kokanee Swim Club have been a well represented and respected fixture in Vernon and the province for over 50 years! The citizens of this area are requesting the planning, funding and construction of a 50m, eight-lane multi-purpose facility that will serve this need for many years. We have outgrown our current facility, which is too small and inadequate in serving the needs of the over 60,000 citizens in Greater Vernon, Coldstream, and surrounding towns. We in Vernon, are ideally located for a large complex: a growing community on Hwy 97, 25 minutes from an International Airport, with all-season sports and tourism attractions. We, as a forward thinking community, are encouraging our leaders to begin this process now as we pledge our support for a new Regional Aquatic Centre.”


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