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BEYOND THE HEADLINES: Get in line

Coun. Scott Anderson created a real splash when he tossed out the idea of a new pool for Vernon.

Coun. Scott Anderson created a real splash when he tossed out the idea of a new pool for Vernon.

A fixture on social media, Anderson was overwhelmed with responses when he took to Facebook and asked residents if there is a need for a new aquatic centre.

“Anyone who has gone to a toonie swim and felt like a sardine would have to agree Vernon has long outgrown the pool. There isn’t enough time and space for the different user groups,” wrote one person.

“Something similar to H20 in Kelowna. A place that accommodates a wide range of ages,” added another.

Now it’s been some time since I dipped my toe in the pool, but I remember well the cramped conditions when my now-adult kids were in swimming lessons. It was uncomfortable, and I am sure the situation hasn’t got any better.

Obviously more space and updated, modern amenities would be ideal.

However, a pool can’t be considered in isolation from other pressures.

The public art gallery and museum have been struggling with inadequate buildings virtually forever, to the point that the community’s collection of artifacts are at risk.

And then there is the recent request for a mountain bike skills park and the debt load already committed to expanding Kal Tire Place. Demands for improved baseball facilities have also been tossed around.

Beyond recreation and culture, there are the not so sexy investments facing Greater Vernon in the next few years. Among them are a larger RCMP detachment, replacing aging roads and sewer infrastructure and, of course, the elephant in the room — the multi-million-dollar master water plan.

Many residents often say Greater Vernon should have something similar to H20 in Kelowna. And while that facility is fantastic, keep in mind that it cost a staggering $46 million to construct.

While some grants were received, Kelowna taxpayers were on the hook for $29 million. Kelowna’s ability to handle such a large project is helped by its population of 123,500 (2011) and a total of 179,839 in the Central Okanagan which potentially pay admission. In comparison, Vernon was at 38,150 in 2011 and there were 58,584 in Greater Vernon (81,237 for the entire North Okanagan).

It’s not known what a new pool could cost to construct and the price could move upwards if land has to be purchased (in Surrey, $55 million went to a new aquatics centre). Operating expenses would also have to be factored into the equation.

A recreation master plan will soon be initiated in Vernon and it will identify the long-term desires of the community.

Possibly through that process, a new swimming pool may rise to the top as a priority. But the final say will be up to the taxpayers of Vernon and perhaps the rest of Greater Vernon.

And while many residents will embrace the vision for a larger aquatic centre and the benefits it will bring, others will look at the bottom line and all of the other hands out for cash.

The discussion sparked by Anderson could ultimately make waves or send everyone off the deep end.