Lyonel Doherty
Times-Chronicle
Not surprisingly, the capital costs for a new aquatic centre in the South Okanagan will be hefty.
Everyone knew that going into last week’s meeting of the South Okanagan Aquatic Centre Advisory Committee.
The feasibility study on the indoor pool continues in earnest with the help of consultant Sierra Planning, led by Jon Hack, assisted by local architect Cal Meiklejohn.
The meeting began with a presentation on the recent public survey that was deemed very successful due to its high participation rate, particularly from the Town of Osoyoos. Its partners are the Town of Oliver and the Osoyoos Indian Band. The committee is currently working on involving the regional district in the project as well.
Some interesting statistics show the average age in Oliver is 52, while Osoyoos is 55, compared to the OIB’s 50.
The majority of survey respondents (73 per cent) said they had used an aquatic centre in a pre-COVID year, while 26 per cent said they did not.
The main type of use was family recreation and swimming lessons.
The top priorities for couples (adults) with and without children were leisure swimming, family recreation and fitness classes.
The top “dry uses” were eating healthy snacks, using the fitness/weight room and multi-use court.
One survey respondent said swimming is the best way to stay active, noting that his/her family would use the South Okanagan facility when it is built.
Another respondent said it would be a great place for their toddler to learn how to swim.
One concern included the belief that local taxpayers would not be able to afford such a “luxury” facility.
Many of the respondents said they would utilize the facility a few times a week.
The committee also discussed potential governance models including not-for-profit partnerships, private and third-party entities.
Mike Campol from the Osoyoos Indian Band said he envisions a partnership (non-profit) with a management service agreement.
Hack suggested that the YMCA could be a third-party operator.
Some committee members agreed that the project needs the support of the regional district. Therefore, the plan is to schedule a meeting with regional district representatives, town administrators and the Osoyoos Indian Band to discuss scenarios.
Meiklejohn presented some preliminary designs of the aquatic centre’s proposed functions. In phase 1, these include a six-lane lap pool, a leisure/therapy pool, a hot tub, and a community multi-purpose room.
Phase 2 adds a fitness room, a concession, and a child-minding service.
Phase 3 adds a gymnasium and ice rink.
A preliminary estimate shows the grand total capital cost for the “core program” (phase 1) would be $27 million.
Adding the phase 2 components would cost an additional $4 million, bringing the total to approximately $31 million.
The grand total for a full build-out model would be $44 million.
Hack said they could scale back the project if capital costs are a concern. For example, stick with phase 1 as a stand- alone facility.
But committee member Barry Romanko said that would not meet people’s expectations.
“You have to have a facility supported by other activities,” he said, noting that functions such as a waterslide bring children to the facility. He added that five years down the road they might regret not putting a waterslide in.
Committee member Petra Veintimilla said survey respondents indicated they wanted these functions, so there is no point in going half way.
The committee was reminded about supply chain uncertainty due to COVID-19 and potential cost escalations over time.
“The biggest hurdle now is unpredictability,” Meiklejohn said.
Committee member Myers Bennett said they need to know if the regional district is on board and how much this project will cost the taxpayer.
“What is feasible and what can we afford?”
Fellow member Gerald Davis said the study will determine if this is something the region can do.
“It’s basically going to be (left) up to the public.”
Hack reminded the group that capital costs are only one component; there are also financing and operating costs (which haven’t been presented yet).
The committee is still looking at Fruitvale Way (near Road 22 north of Osoyoos) as the preferred site for the facility. But it is also looking at other sites, including Desert Park in Osoyoos and Highway 97 near Southwinds Crossing Shopping Centre in Oliver.
It is expected that a draft report (including operating costs) will be presented in early spring of 2022.
This report will also go to Oliver, Osoyoos and OIB councils for consideration.
