Many politicians are resigned to a costly bill at the Vernon Recreation Complex. Greater Vernon Advisory Committee members toured the
complex Tuesday to determine if $1.7 million in repairs should proceed
or if their next step should be replacement. “We can’t afford a new one,” said director Gyula Kiss. There has been damage to the pool walls and roof system
because exterior finishing installed in 1993 failed and cold exterior
air has clashed with humid air from the pool. Also, the dehumidification
system was undersized when installed and it was shut off in 1998
because of expensive repairs required to keep the device running. The other problem is the original heating lines were
not installed correctly when the complex was built in 1965, and this led
to the lines rotting out. Line repairs mean the concrete floor in the auditorium must be jack-hammered to provide access. “If we have the Queen Silver Star event or someone’s
fundraiser, we don’t want to interrupt that,” said Doug Ross, recreation
services manager. When the GVAC board was made aware of the situation in
January, some officials suggested that constructing a new complex may be
a more financially viable alternative. “We have to look at all of the information but repair
seems to be the least expensive option,” said Mike Macnabb, GVAC
chairperson, Tuesday. Director Rob Sawatzky isn’t committing to any specific action until a special GVAC meeting Thursday. “We have to meet with staff and go through the financials,” he said. “My gut feeling is I want the most cost-effective option.” Staff indicated Tuesday that only half of the capacity of the pool area is currently used. “We could accommodate a lot more people swimming here,” said Ross. “This facility has a lot of years left in it.” Studies have indicated that Greater Vernon’s population may not require a second aquatic centre until 2026 or 2030. Staff will recommend to directors Thursday that there
be a needs assessment and feasibility study for a new
aquatics/recreation complex by 2015.
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Don Quixote Note: The following download of Thursday Meeting Agenda at GVAC starting on Page 255 has the report re the Recreation Centre Repairs. Budget additions that will be requested are on p.259.
Greater Vernon Advisory Committee
Special Meeting - Parks |
Thursday, January 26, 2012 -
8:00 am |
Download PDF (13.4 MB) |
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