Parkinson recreation centre replacement could cost $50 million

KELOWNA – City staff are recommending the deluxe version for a replacement of Parkinson Recreation Centre with a $50-million price tag.

However, staff also say the city should explore with the Central Okanagan school district the possibility of developing a facility integrated with the new high school the district is proposing across the field from Parkinson.

Either way, the city should continue planning for Parkinson’s replacement, identified as its most urgent facility replacement project, with the existing building in poor condition with numerous infrastructure and design problems.

The estimated cost also means the city will have to finance the project and get electoral approval, either through referendum of alternative approval process, urban planning manager Ross Soward says in a report council will receive Monday.

Soward says staff opted for the full replacement of Parkinson at 136,649 sq. feet, built to the size and functionality generated by a process known as the functional space program.

For $50 million, users will get usable floor space of 96,000 sq. feet including three gymnasiums, an eight-lane pool, full change rooms plus general programming and adminstrative space.

The school district has submitted a capital request to build a $70-million high school on the site of the old Dr. Knox middle school, beside the Apple Bowl.

Council will consider the staff recommendation at its regular meeting at 9 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 7 in council chambers at Kelowna City Hall.

To contact the reporter for this story, email John McDonald at jmcdonald@infonews.ca or call 250-808-0143. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.

—UPDATED 1:20 p.m. Friday, December 4, 2015 with corrected meeting time.