CITY Council revealed last night at the regular meeting that the city plans to proceed with a long-anticipated upgrade to the aquatic centre.
The announcement details an arrangement made in-camera whereby $310,500 will be allocated to pursue upgrades to the existing facility next year.
This will include rebuilding the west wall and painting the interior of the existing centre, as well as improvements to mechanical, heating, ventilation and power distribution.
Council considered several recommendations from Bruce Carscadden Architects, which conducted a review of the facility, in making their final decision.
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 reviewed the options regarding the Terrace Aquatic Centre very carefully,” said Mayor Dave 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.”
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.