Local residents will be able to tour the Summerland Aquatic and Fitness Centre in advance of a referendum to borrow money to replace the aging facility.
The facility, at 13204 Kelly Ave., was constructed in 1976 and is at the end of its life.
There are significant and ongoing maintenance issues with the building. In some cases, parts required to keep the pool functioning are no longer being manufactured, so maintenance crews must track down used parts, said Lori Mullin, director of community services with the municipality.
In addition, the facility requires around 86 per cent more energy per unit of floor area than an average swimming pool.
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The municipality will hold a referendum on replacing the new facility, with general voting scheduled for Nov. 4. The referendum question, if approved by the public, would allow the municipality to borrow up to $50 million for the proposed Summerland Recreation Centre.
The proposed facility, to be located on Jubilee Road East in front of the Summerland Arena and Summerland Curling Club, would include a multi-purpose recreation facility that includes a new aquatic centre, fitness centre, multi-purpose rooms, universal access change rooms and modern energy efficiency building standards.
Before the vote proceeds, the municipality will offer guided tours of the existing Summerland Aquatic and Fitness Centre. The tours will include walks through the reception, pool area, mechanical room, change spaces, fitness centre and multi-purpose room.
These tours will take place during the annual maintenance shutdown period, allowing the public to see the condition of the building, why renovations are not recommended and why the municipality will hold a referendum for a new, larger facility.
Tours are scheduled to happen on three different days and at various times to accommodate as many schedules as possible. Everyone is welcome to attend, but each tour will have limited space. People are urged to register ahead of time.
The tours will be held Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 1 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 7 at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 9 at 11 a.m.
To register for a tour, please email recreation@summerland.ca or call
For more information on the Summerland Recreation Centre Referendum, visit summerland.ca/recreationcentre.
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newsroom@summerlandreview.com
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