Although recently announced upgrades to the aquatic centre fall short of the more lavish plans that were considered in last year's review, the new work will be a stopgap measure until a totally new pool can be built or another upgrade gets tabled in the future.
For now, the city has adopted what mayor Dave Pernarowski called a “fiscally responsible choice” in announcing $310,500 would be spent over five years beginning next year to improve safety, efficiency and accessibility.
This will include rebuilding the west wall, painting the interior of the existing centre, as well as improvements to mechanical, heating, ventilation and power distribution.
The new wall will be built using the same materials as the previous wall and will cost $150,000. The remaining money is broken down as follows: $35,000 for painting, $35,000 for power distribution, $20,500 for mechanical work, $50,000 for heating and ventilation and $20,000 for contingency.
Council also plans to “look for grant funding opportunities to improve the accessibility of the facility as the next priority following the structural repairs.”
Accessibility improvements being considered are ramp access into the pools and an accessible/family change room,” reads the release.
A review commissioned by the city from Bruce Carscadden Architects last year recommended a series of potential upgrades to the pool that the city took into consideration.
“The interior of the building will be painted grey, accenting the wood beams. This is considered an update to the look of the interior of the building,” said director of leisure services Carmen Didier about one of the accepted recommendations from the review.
While the review did suggest broader upgrades such as expanding the facility, adding a glass wall and water slide, council opted for the less costly option.
“Council was trying to demonstrate fiscal responsibility,” said Bruce Bidgood afterwards.
According to the councillor, the prudent choice was taken with a potential new pool facility on the horizon, especially if the economy continues to expand.
“At a certain point, you have to stop putting money into the old Chevy and buy a new car,” said Bidgood.
While focusing on efficiency, safety and accessibility in the short term, Bidgood said the long-term plan is to build an entirely new pool.
He said that it cost Kitimat about $14 million for their new pool, however, so Terrace, with a much smaller industrial tax base, is currently a long way from that sort of investment.
“Council reviewed the options regarding the Terrace Aquatic Centre very carefully,” said Pernarowski in the media release.
“We brought our partners, the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, into our discussion as well. A fiscally responsible approach to rebuild the wall without a resulting tax increase will address the immediate needs of the community while staying within our financial means.”