Vernon proceeding with active living centre planning

Photo: Contributed

The City of Vernon is moving forward alone with plans for a new recreation centre.

During a strategic planning session on June 19, council passed a resolution to continue moving forward with the planning process for the proposed active living centre, as a City of Vernon rather than regional facility at this time.

Staff have been directed to review what resources would be required to move the project towards a referendum in the fall of 2021.

Results of a recent feasibility study, based on public consultation, point to building a new facility on the former Kin Racetrack site. It would include a 50-metre pool, leisure pool, double gymnasium, fitness centre, walking/running track and multi-purpose spaces. 

Council supported in principle the conceptual plan on May 25, along with the option to borrow up to $90 million for the project, pending referendum approval.

Following a presentation to the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, further discussion of the project was tabled to a future date. The District of Coldstream subsequently notified the city it “is not willing to proceed with the active living centre project until the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre project is resolved.” 

“While we will continue to discuss this project with our community partners and hope they will participate in the project in the future, council felt it was important to keep the process moving forward and not lose any momentum,” Mayor Victor Cumming said in a press statement.  

“This will be a very large and important project for our city and our region, and projects of this size can take four to five years before a new facility’s doors would be open.”