A project seven years in the making, and with a $136 million pricetag, has finally broken ground.
A final design, budget and construction schedule was set for Vernon’s new Active Living Centre Monday, April 8 as officials turned sod at the site.
The new facility will be built on the Kin Race Track lands, next to the existing Kal Tire Place, with completion anticipated in the fall of 2026.
Mayor Victor Cumming says the maximum cost for the project will not exceed $135,941,009. That is up from the $121 million borrowing approved by referendum in 2022, the difference he said is covered by the city through investments and available funds.
“This is an exciting day for Vernon,” said Cumming. “The community has shaped this facility. The ALC will be a tremendous asset to our community and the region and will provide people with an accessible and welcoming space to be active, learn, connect and have fun.”
The multi-purpose facility will include an aquatic centre with an eight lane 50-meter pool with a moveable bulkhead, two diving boards and a NINJACROSSTM course; leisure pool with zero depth beach entry; tot slide; interactive spray features; a lazy river, a WOW WaveBall, a major waterslide, and a family hot tub. Also featured will be a warm water 25m, three lane lane teaching pool; sauna; steam room, cold plunge pool and adult’s only hot tub. The facility also includes a fitness centre, double gymnasium with multiple sports courts, a four-lane 185m synthetic walking/running track and eight dedicated multipurpose activity and program rooms.
Efforts to build an Active Living Centre started in 2017 for Doug Ross, project program manager.
“I’ve been dreaming of this day for a very long time,” said Ross, appreciative of all the public input that has gone into the final plans.
The new centre will replace the existing pool, which opened in 1966. The existing aquatic cenre will be decommissioned but the Recreation Complex space will remain.
Heavy equipment is expected to arrive on site soon for preparation work, setting the stage for subsequent construction activities. Construction crews and equipment will be accessing the work site off 43rd Avenue.
For safety of the public, walkers and other users of the track area will be limited to the north end of the Kin Race Track lands. Walkers are asked to use the parking lot at Kal Tire Place - North.
For more information on the Active Living Centre project, visit vernonalc.ca.
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