The Osoyoos Indian Band and the towns of Oliver and Osoyoos have opened bids to look at the feasibility of a regional aquatic centre.
The feasibility study would look at the costs for building and operating a year-round indoor aquatic facility.
“These communities have long expressed desire for a year-round indoor aquatic centre,” said a press release.
“An indoor public pool continues to be a high priority for many local Osoyoos residents,” said Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff.
“A recent Community Services review showed that this issue is top of the list for area families. But since the cost of a pool and the ongoing cost for operating a pool is high and could be difficult to manage for any single municipality, I am pleased that Osoyoos, Oliver and the Osoyoos Indian Band are working together to undertake a feasibility study.”
There are many planning, asset and financial factors that need to be understood, and the participating communities are now ready to approach these discussions in a more formal regional setting, commencing with a feasibility study for a South Okanagan Aquatic Centre.
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Recreation and leisure play important roles in communities, said Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen.
A South Okanagan Aquatic Centre Advisory Committee will be formed comprising of members from each council and members of the community who will be involved in designing the public engagement and consultation process.
“The Osoyoos Indian Band fully supports moving forward with a feasibility study,” said Chief Clarence Louie. “We understand and appreciate that the value of a collaborative approach to a centralized amenity is for the betterment of all of our communities.”
Bids for the feasibility study will be open until March 9, with the study itself completed before Oct. 31. A maximum budget of $75,000 has been allotted for the study.
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