Vernon council gives final approval for $136M indoor pool and rec centre

Vernon city council approved the final designs, budget and construction schedule for the $136-million Active Living Centre today.

Construction of the Active Living Centre on the Kin Race Track lands next Kal Tire Place will begin soon and is scheduled to be complete in the fall of 2026, according to a City of Vernon media release. The city says the maximum cost of the project is $135,941,009.

“This is an exciting day for Vernon,” Mayor Victor Cumming said in the release. “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 centre will be composed of an aquatic centre with an eight-lane 50-meter pool with a moveable bulkhead, two diving boards and a 'Ninjacross' course.

There will also be a leisure pool with a beach entry, spray features, a lazy river a Wow WaveBall, a waterslide and a family hot tub along with a warm water 25-meter teaching pool, sauna, steam room, cold plunge pool and an adult's only hot tub.

READ MORE: Extra $15M for Vernon's indoor pool and rec centre will pay for extras

The centre will also be host to a fitness centre, a double gymnasium with multiple sports courts, a 185-metre walking and running track and eight multipurpose activity program rooms.

"Council’s endorsement of the final design, budget and construction schedule represents a significant milestone for the ALC project,” project manage Doug Ross said in the release.

“The Integrated Project Delivery team worked hard to achieve a versatile design that celebrates the community-building potential of recreation that both meets the everyday needs of the community and has the ability to host events.”

Heavy equipment is expected to be on site soon to begin the preparation work. The city warns that the construction could cause some inconvenience to the public.

"For people attending events at Kal Tire Place, the overflow gravel parking area at the south end of the Kin Race Track lands will be made available as much as possible," the release read. "While construction activities may impact this area, every effort will be made to maximize the parking available."

For more information about the Active Living Centre go to the city's web page here.

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