Summerland Recreation Centre Project
The Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre is at end-of-life and a process is currently underway to explore opportunities for the replacement of the facility.
Visit the Summerland Recreation Centre Project community engagement site HERE
The engagement site provides further project information, Fact Sheet, Frequently Asked Questions, timelines, project documents, Council Reports, and an opportunity to interact with your own questions.
Project timeline and milestones are outlined below:
Background
Evaluating considerations for a new Recreation Centre has been identified by Council as a priority project in preparation for a 2023 public referendum. The 2018 Parks & Recreation Master Plan community survey indicated that replacing this facility was one of the highest priorities for the community.
The District completed a Facility Condition Assessment in 2018 of the current Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre which indicated that all major building mechanical, electrical and pool systems have exceeded their expected usable life. Most of the building envelope is in poor condition with significant air and water leakage and potential for mold. The facility is consuming approximately 86% more energy per unit of floor area than the average swimming pool. The facility does not have fully accessible, universal, family or gender neutral change rooms.
The District completed a comprehensive community engagement process and Needs Assessment in 2021 which outlined desired core components/spaces to include a new Recreation Centre.
The Recreation Feasibility & Site Fit Study final report was received by Council on February 28, 2022. Council endorsed a proposed new recreation centre adding to the Summerland Arena and Curling Club site (8820 Jubilee Road) as the preferred site strategy, if a referendum indicates public support for the project.
In December 2022, several additional studies were completed including Updated Cost Estimate, Green Building Assessment, Site Civil Connections Assessment and Site Geotechnical Assessment.
The District of Summerland applied for a $6 million grant through the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Strategic Priorities Fund Capital Infrastructure Stream. The District of Summerland has been informed the application was not approved for funding and the intake was oversubscribed.
The District applied for a $25 million grant through the Green & Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program to obtain funding to construct a net-zero carbon building. No timeline has been identified when the GICB grant announcements will be made.
Next Steps
At the May 15, 2023 Council Meeting, Council reviewed options around referendum timelines and borrowing amounts and passed a resolution to direct staff to conduct a Fall 2023 referendum for the Recreation Centre project for borrowing up to $50 million dollars and to return to Council with a proposed Referendum Plan including borrowing bylaws, funding options, and timelines.
Project Communications
Watch for more information in 2023 through:
- District of Summerland website, social media channels, District Utility Newsletter
- Interactive project web page with links and information
- In-person and electronic public open house events
- Media news releases
Please check back to this website regularly for updates.
For further information, please contact Lori Mullin, Director of Community Services, lmullin@summerland.ca 250-404-4084.
Visit the Summerland Recreation Centre Project community engagement site HERE