Aquatic centre on the radar

Photo: Facebook - Greater Vernon Recreation.

A new aquatic centre for the Greater Vernon area is on the books, but that doesn't mean one will be built any time soon, according to Mayor Akbal Mund.

During a council meeting this week, Coun. Scott Anderson said another public swimming pool was needed, urging staff and fellow councillors to consider an outdoor pool at Polson Park or another indoor pool.

“Our pool right now is overcrowded,” Anderson said later.

“A new aquatic facility will be addressed” in a master parks plan that is expected to take 18 months to complete, Doug Ross, Vernon recreation services director, told council.

“It's on the radar,” confirmed Mund, adding that it probably would not be considered until about 2019.

Mund pointed to last September's opening of the Greater Vernon Athletics Park and the upcoming construction of a new arena at Kal Tire Place.

“You can't throw everything at everybody at once,” said Mund. “You also have to have the appetite of the general public to continue.”

“We've just finished our cultural plan and we'll obviously be looking for a place for a new cultural centre so there's a lot.”