Photo: John K. White

Swimmers to your blocks... and now hold that posture until 2020 or so if you're hoping of racing in a new pool facility in Vernon.

While there is formally forward movement to determine the feasibility of a new Active Living Centre in Vernon, the proposed timeline shows the final report from the third-party consultancy will not be delivered until the end of March 2020.

New rec centre the focus

New rec centre a priority

This feasibility study has been commissioned to better understand the costs and benefits associated with public investment in indoor aquatics, fitness and other program spaces, the city said in a release.

"It will help inform what new facility features best support Greater Vernon residents to find a 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 release stated.

The study is designed to assess the level of community support for the development of a new Active Living Centre, upgrades to the existing Vernon Aquatic Centre and funding options for said (i.e. taxes, user fees, etc.).

Public engagement sessions will be held via the open house format on Nov. 24, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Vernon Recreation Centre Auditorium, and in February 2020 at a date to be set.

The consultant set forth a timeline, suggesting we will see a shortlist of design options by early November.

The first two drafts of the report are tentatively scheduled for Dec. 20, 2019 and Feb. 14, 2020 before the final report is delivered on March 24, 2020.

Mayor Victor Cumming and the majority of councillors indicated their priority was the active living centre feasibility study and setting plans for the former Kin Race Track lands during a special council meeting back on June 20. It was part of a broader discussion chaired by the city's director of community development, Kim Flick, to determine budget priorities for 2020.

For more on the timeline go to the city's website.