Several open houses will be taking place next month as the City of Quesnel and the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) collect feedback on three options to renovate the Quesnel Arts and Recreation Centre.
The multi-use recreational and cultural facility will require a multi-million dollar investment to prolong its serviceable life, according to a joint news release Friday, May 13.
Quesnel city councillor Laurey-Anne Roodenburg is a key spokesperson on the project with CRD director Mary Sjostrom.
Roodenburg noted the swimming pool is 40-years-old and needs architectural, mechanical and electrical upgrades.
“We require modern recreation amenities to attract and retain residents and improve the quality of life for the people who call Quesnel home,” she said. “Investing in our recreation infrastructure is essential to the long-term sustainability of our community.”
Each renovation option will impact residents’ property taxes depending on several factors, including borrowing, loan term, and the interest rate at the time of borrowing.
The first consisting of an upgrade with no expansion is tagged at $12.6 million. Option two which would include an upgrade with expansion is estimated at $30.7 million, while the third and final option that would consist of an upgrade and expansion with a waterslide is around $34.6 million.
An optional $3.6 million upgrade to the building envelope, consisting of additional insulation to exterior walls and complete replacement and upgrading of the roof system has not been included.
Read More: Public consultation planned for second Quesnel pool referendum project
Sjostrom said areas with new facilities and upgraded recreational and cultural facilities have a proven edge for recruitment and retention strategies to ensure continued community growth and economic diversity and keep the tax base stable.
Delaying a swimming pool renovation will only escalate the project costs due to inflation, according to the City of Quesnel and the CRD.
Three open houses have been planned starting Wednesday, June 1 to Wednesday, June 15. Staff and elected officials will be on hand to discuss and collect feedback on each of the renovation options.
The first open house is scheduled at the Quesnel Arts and Recreation Centre on June 1 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Another one will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at École Red Bluff Lhtako Elementary on June 13, and at Bouchie Lake Hall on June 15.
Feedback will be accepted online at www.letsconnectquesnel.ca/pool or paper surveys available at the City of Quesnel and the CRD North Cariboo office until Friday, June 24.
Results won’t be presented to the Joint Advisory Committee until Sept. 13.
For more information on the project visit www.letsconnectquesnel.ca/pool.
Read More: Cariboo Regional District, Quesnel residents shoot down pool renovations in referendum
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