Summerland Recreation Centre Referendum

On November 4, 2023, eligible voters in Summerland will be asked if they are in favour of the District borrowing up to $50 million for the purpose of developing the proposed Summerland Recreation Centre – a new multi-purpose recreation facility intended to replace the Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre.

To help voters make a well-informed decision, the District of Summerland is offering information about the project and the referendum process through a series of weekly media releases, leading up to General Voting Day on November 4. Last week we discussed the aquatic-specific components of the project. This week we are focusing on the dryland amenities.

In addition to a new aquatic centre, what other amenities are included in the proposed facility and why?

During the 2021 Needs Assessment study, the community advocated for the minimum/priority (core) spaces in a new recreation facility to include specific aquatic and dryland features, including:

• A fitness centre to accommodate drop-in workouts with weights, cardio machines and space for stretching
• Multi-purpose fitness/activity room (for activities such as yoga, dance, martial arts, etc.)
• Multi-purpose family/youth room (for youth, childminding, family programs, etc.)
• Universal access, family change rooms

During the public engagement process for the Needs Assessment (which included a public survey, stakeholder questionnaire, stakeholder workshops, and an open house), Summerland residents were asked to offer words to best describe their hopes for an aquatics and indoor recreation facility in the community. The following overlapping vision words and terms emerged:

• Be inclusive and welcoming of all people, ages and abilities
• Encourage active lifestyles
• Be flexible to meet community needs over time
• Create a central community hub
• Bring positive economic benefits
• A high-quality facility

The current Aquatic & Fitness Centre has a single, small (less than 500 square foot) multi-purpose room available that is used for rehabilitation programming, meetings, and birthday parties. The opportunities for this room are limited due to its size. Therefore, based on public and stakeholder consultation and the identified recreation, wellness and family programming needs of the community, the proposed Recreation Facility has been designed to meet the above community requests, with a 60% larger facility footprint and the inclusion of two dedicated multi-purpose rooms. It is designed to be inclusive, family-friendly, and able to serve residents of all ages and abilities.

Why are family and youth resources included in the proposed facility?

Based on the Needs Assessment Report, family and young child (infant-preschool) drop-in programs were highlighted as a strong need across all engagement methods. Youth-oriented programs were noted by 49% of engagement participants as missing or needing expansion in the community. Youth services was the top priority for community services to be included in a recreation centre, over and above childcare and seniors’ services. The Boys and Girls Club mentioned they see a very significant demand for youth programs and services and do not have adequate space to meet that demand. Having dedicated space for childminding while parents and caregivers participate in recreation activities was also an identified need.

Why is a dedicated fitness/activity multi-purpose room included in the proposed facility?

Due to the absence of programming space, the District’s Recreation Department has had to seek out satellite locations throughout Summerland to offer fitness and recreation programs. This has created challenges related to equipment availability, rental fees, and room cancellations for other priority bookings. By adding a larger, dedicated space for this type of programming and hosting classes at the Recreation Centre, some classes may be able to increase capacity and residents may be able to benefit from accessing recreation and wellness resources in a centralized ‘recreation and sports complex’ setting.

For more information on the proposed Summerland Recreation Centre project and the upcoming referendum, please visit www.summerland.ca/recreationcentre.

Reminder of the Public Open House on Wednesday October 11 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm in the Banquet Room of the Summerland Arena & Curling Club.

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The Summerland Recreation Centre Referendum is happening on November 4, 2023. At that time, eligible voters in Summerland (including residents and non-resident property owners) will be asked if they are in favour of the District borrowing up to $50 million for the purpose of developing the proposed Recreation Centre – a new multi-purpose recreation facility intended to replace the Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre.

The proposed new facility includes an aquatic centre, fitness centre, two multi-purpose rooms, universal access and family change rooms, and modern energy efficiency building standards (minimum LEED Silver).

The current facility is at end-of-life and is experiencing a number of significant and ongoing building and maintenance issues, as well as the consumption of approximately 86% more energy per unit of floor area than the average swimming pool. In this week’s media release to share detailed project information, we’re talking about the facility’s physical challenges, program capacity issues, and the recommended solutions.

What is the history of the Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre?

The original facility was constructed in 1976 with the offices added in 1988 and a larger fitness room in 1996.

The facility was built when the population of Summerland was 6,724 (approximately half of what it is today). Over the years, spaces have been adapted as best as possible to meet increased program demands, but are not functioning properly.

What specific challenges exist for the Aquatic Centre?

Based on a 2018 Facility Condition Assessment, all major building mechanical, electrical and pool systems have exceeded their expected usable life. Most of the building envelope is in poor condition with significant air and water leakage and potential for mold. The facility is consuming approximately 86% more energy per unit of floor area than the average swimming pool. The facility does not have fully modern accessible, universal, or family change rooms or proper accessible entry into the pool basin.

Additionally, the facility is experiencing the following ongoing issues:

• Termites that compromise the structure of the building
• Ant and rodent infestations
• A leaky roof that requires major repair
• Hot tub failures
• Instability of the main pool basin
• Inability to source facility replacement parts due to antiquated electrical, plumbing, and pool systems

What specific challenges exist for aquatic programming in Summerland?

Most aquatic programs in Summerland are at maximum capacity with long waitlists. Due to the current size of the aquatic centre, only one activity may take place at a time. This results in current demands not being met for public sessions, programs, swim clubs, and rental requests.

Another challenge with having a single pool basin is that the desired pool temperature cannot be met for user groups. It is too warm for competitive swimming and too cool for aquatic rehabilitation programming and for young children. Also, the pool basin shape does not have the modern features such as beach entry, shallow leisure areas or spray/play features which could allow for more inclusive programming for all ages and abilities.

Additionally, the shallow end pool depth is 2.5 feet, which is not deep enough for many swimmers to complete proper rotations under the water, meaning the pool does not meet FINA standards (internationally-recognized swim competition standards). Summerland has active and dedicated swim clubs (Orca Swim Club and Orca Masters Swim Club) with more than 100 members. Due to the pool basin design, swim competitions cannot be held in Summerland so the Orca Swim Club must travel to different communities to compete.

What aquatic features are included in the proposed facility to address the current issues or challenges?

The proposed Recreation Centre includes an aquatic centre that features:

• 6-lane, 25m lap pool constructed to meet Canadian competition standards
• Leisure pool with warmer water that can be used for swim lessons, leisure swimming and rehabilitation (Recope) programming
• Hot tub
• Steam or sauna room
• Accessible pool entry
• Pool viewing area to accommodate spectators during swim lessons and competitions

If a new, larger facility is constructed, is there an anticipated increase in use by participants?

The Summerland Aquatic Centre puts a priority on swimming lessons to ensure children in our community are safer around our surrounding lakes. Because more of the Aquatic Centre’s available water and pool time is dedicated to swimming lessons, as well as Recope (rehabilitation program) and swim club, the ability to offer other public swimming time is limited.

The fact that most aquatic programs are at full capacity with long waitlists indicates a higher demand for pool time than can currently be accommodated.

If electors vote in favour of the referendum question, the new aquatic centre will include a lap pool and a leisure pool (as noted above), offering the ability to have multiple programs happening at the same time throughout the day (such as swim lessons and public swimming), rather than having to choose to offer just one. Because of the ability to offer multiple programs simultaneously, it’s fully anticipated that attendance would increase.

Additionally, by adding two dedicated dryland multi-purpose rooms to the Recreation Centre (for fitness and family/youth programming), new programs could be introduced to the facility, or other current community-based programs could expand capacity to better meet the growing recreation and wellness demands of residents.

Why build a new pool when Summerland residents can use the pool in Penticton?

There is currently limited registration available for non-residents of Penticton and many programs are difficult to access. Without a pool or recreation centre, Summerland residents would be reliant on other communities to provide recreation services, including swimming lessons and other fitness programs, such as aquatic rehabilitation (Recope). Transportation limitations are an issue for many Summerland residents, especially for those with limited income and with mobility issues.

For more information on the proposed Summerland Recreation Centre project and the upcoming referendum, please visit www.summerland.ca/recreationcentre.

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On November 4, 2023, eligible voters in Summerland will take part in a referendum for the Summerland Recreation Centre – a new multi-purpose indoor recreation facility. The proposed facility includes an aquatic centre; fitness centre; two multi-purpose rooms; universal access and family change rooms; and modern energy efficiency building standards.

To help voters make a well-informed decision on November 4, the District of Summerland is hosting a public Open House, as well as several other in-person engagement and information drop-in opportunities throughout the community between now and General Voting Day. The intention is to give members of the public an opportunity to talk directly with District staff, learn about the project, ask questions, and get answers in real time.

Information regarding voter eligibility and voting dates, times, and locations will also be available at the information sessions. Both the Open House and Public Information Drop-Ins are open to the public with no registration required, drop-in at any time within the allocated times.

Upcoming events and pop-up information booths

“The proposed Summerland Recreation Centre is a significant decision for our community,” said Mayor Doug Holmes. “How we decide to move forward collectively will shape Summerland’s future when it comes to sport, recreation, wellness and youth/family amenities and programming. That’s why it’s so important for Council and the District to do everything we can to help residents learn about the project with accurate, fact-based information, understand why a new facility is being proposed, and what this type of investment would mean for taxpayers. This is the time to have these really important conversations, and then on November 4th, the decision is up to you. So come out and be part of referendum process. This is our community, your vote.”

If a community group would like a Recreation Centre Referendum information presentation (in-person or via Zoom), please make a request by emailing recreation@summerland.ca or calling the Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre at 250-494-0447.

Information about the proposed Summerland Recreation Centre and the upcoming referendum can also be found online anytime, including a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions (FAQs), videos, facility studies and reports, Council reports, and more. Visit www.summerland.ca/recreationcentre to find a link to the interactive webpage today.

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On November 4, 2023, voters in Summerland will be asked if they are in favour of the District borrowing up to $50 million for the purpose of developing the Summerland Recreation Centre – a new multi -purpose indoor recreation facility that is intended to replace the Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre, which is at the end of its useable life.

The proposed new facility includes an aquatic centre (that features a lap pool, leisure pool, hot tub, sauna or steam room); fitness centre; fitness/activity multi-purpose room; family/youth multi-purpose room; universal access and family change rooms; and modern energy efficiency building standards (minimum LEED Silver).

The District of Summerland is continuing its series of weekly media releases to share detailed project information to help voters make a well-informed decision for their own household on November 4. This week, the District is providing more information on the proposed facility’s location. If electors vote in favour of the referendum question, the facility is anticipated to be opened by the end of 2026.

Why build a new facility adjacent to the Summerland Arena & Curling Club?

Based on extensive public consultation and a thorough 2022 Feasibility & Site Fit Study, the preferred site for the proposed Recreation Centre is adjacent to the Summerland Arena & Curling Club, at 8820 Jubilee Road East.

The strengths of this site were identified as:

• Providing uninterrupted sport, recreation, and rehabilitation service during construction
• Accommodating parking development without structured parking
• Ability to accommodate childcare in future phases

Additionally, by building a new facility adjacent to the arena, the District can realize cost and operational savings and increased energy efficiencies by taking advantage of heat recapture technology; harvesting heat surplus from the arena to assist in heating the Recreation Centre.

Building a new facility adjacent to the Summerland Arena also helps create a sports and recreation “complex” with the Arena and Curling Club, helping families take part in multiple sports and activities at once in a centralized location.

How would the District address parking capacity at the proposed location?

If constructed, the Recreation Centre would be built on the south side of the Summerland Arena & Curling Club, which is currently used for parking. Therefore, new parking stalls would need to be added to the site in a different area of the property to accommodate public use of the sports and recreation “complex” facilities.

The District of Summerland owns the land located immediately behind Timber Mart. The land is currently being leased on a temporary, short-term basis to Timber Mart as a storage yard for loading and general operations. This land has been identified as an area to expand parking to meet existing arena and proposed Recreation Centre facility requirements.

Why build a new facility instead of renovating the Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre?

All major building mechanical, electrical and pool systems within the Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre have exceeded their expected usable life. Most of the building envelope is in poor condition with significant air and water leakage and potential for mold. The facility is consuming approximately 86% more energy per unit of floor area than the average swimming pool. The facility does not have modern fully accessible, universal, or family change rooms (some building adaptations have been made to address these needs, however, they are not ideal).

The facility is experiencing ongoing issues which include termites that compromise the structure of the building, ant and rodent infestations, leaking roof that requires major repair, hot tub failures, instability of main pool structure, and an inability to source facility replacement parts due to antiquated electrical, plumbing and pool systems.

The 2018 Facility Condition Assessment did review the option for building renovation; however, it was not recommended. The Report recommends rebuilding the facility on a new site and adding 50% to meet current and future demands and to address the physical and programmatic deficiencies without interruption of the current services to the community.

How was the size of the proposed Recreation Centre determined?

The size of the proposed facility – and the amenities within it – were determined based on Summerland’s growth in population since 1976 (which has nearly doubled), the amount and type of sport and recreation programming residents are seeking, and extensive public consultation that took place during the 2021 Needs Assessment. During the Needs Assessment, the community advocated for the minimum/priority (core) spaces in a new facility to include:

• 6-lane, 25m lap pool
• leisure pool
• hot tub
• universal change rooms
• fitness centre
• multi-purpose fitness/activity classroom
• youth/family multi-purpose program room
• and access to a gymnasium

Other facility enhancements were explored, but were considered “secondary” priorities to the community, and therefore they were not included in the proposed project scope. These included: an eight-lane competition pool (additional two lanes), a child care centre, gymnasium, health centre, and tennis centre. Other ideas such as a walking track and additional programming spaces were not included to keep the size, scope and cost of the project lower.

For more information on the proposed Summerland Recreation Centre project and the upcoming referendum, please visit www.summerland.ca/recreationcentre.

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On November 4, 2023, eligible voters in Summerland (including residents and non-resident property owners) will take part in a referendum for the Summerland Recreation Centre – a new multi-purpose indoor recreation facility. It’s intended to replace the Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre, which is at the end of its useable life.

The proposed new facility includes an aquatic centre (that features a lap pool, leisure pool, hot tub, sauna or steam room); fitness centre; fitness/activity multi-purpose room; family/youth multi-purpose room; universal access and family change rooms; and modern energy efficiency building standards (minimum LEED Silver).

To help voters make a well-informed decision, the District of Summerland is offering detailed information about the project and the referendum process through a series of weekly media releases with frequently asked questions, leading up to General Voting Day on November 4. This week, we are looking at the project cost, funding strategy, and anticipated impact for taxpayers.

What is the estimated cost to build a new Recreation Centre?

The November 2022 project cost estimate is $50 million, which includes detailed design, construction and contingencies for unforeseen expenses and delays.

What is the funding strategy for a new facility?

At this time, the District of Summerland is asking the public’s permission to borrow the full amount required to develop a new facility, which would be constructed (at minimum) to LEED Silver energy efficiency standards. However, the District is also actively pursuing grant funding opportunities to reduce the overall project cost and impact to taxpayers.

Recently, the District applied for a grant of up to $25 million through the Green & Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program to obtain funding to construct a net-zero carbon building. While the overall project cost estimate would increase by approximately $8.5 million to incorporate net-zero building components, with the GICB grant funding of $25 million, the overall project costs would be reduced to approximately $32.5 million, thus reducing the financial impact to taxpayers. No timeline has been identified when the GICB grant announcements will be made.

How much would a new Recreation Centre cost the average taxpayer?

If electors vote in favour of the referendum question, Council has directed the District to pay debt servicing costs through a 50% leveled parcel tax and 50% property taxation increase.

In order to achieve the appropriate level of new taxation required (for a $50 million total debt draw), four consecutive years of property and parcel tax increases will be required, for the purpose of financing detailed design and construction of the Recreation Centre to be built to LEED Silver energy efficiency standards.

Based on the District’s borrowing rate with the Municipal Finance Authority (MFA), as of June 19, 2023, the following taxation increases will be required to cover 50% of the estimated debt:

• 2024: 3.76% property tax increase
• 2025: 3.77% property tax increase
• 2026: 3.77% property tax increase
• 2027: 3.76% property tax increase

Note: should interest rates change during any of the four estimated debt draws during construction, the projected tax rate increases would need to be adjusted to ensure the appropriate amount is collected through taxation to cover the actual debt payments.

The other half of the debt would be covered through a leveled parcel tax. Together, this would equate to the following estimated annual cumulative increases for the below noted assessed homes*:

*The ‘Total’ amount listed in the table above is the estimated cumulative increase in property and parcel taxes for the listed assessed value homes, for the purpose of constructing a new Recreation Centre, between 2024 and 2027.

After 2027, no additional property or parcel tax increases for this capital project are anticipated. The term of the loan with the MFA would be 30 years.

Based on the above table, a home assessed at $600,000 would pay the following annual amounts during the four year construction phase: 2024 - $114.17; 2025 - $230.17; 2026 - $347.91; 2027 - $467.34.

Is there a contingency in place for inflation?

Yes, the current project cost budgets for an escalation rate of 14%, which reflects a late third quarter 2024 construction tender date and construction completed by the end of 2026. It is anticipated these timelines can be met.

Of the project cost estimate of $50 million, the District has built in a design contingency allowance of 10% and construction contingency of 5%. Council further allocated an additional contingency of approximately $1 million for any unforeseen expenses or delays. These contingencies are included to provide some room in the budget for unexpected items that may come up through the implementation of the project, which is intended to keep the project within the allocated budget.

For more information on the proposed Summerland Recreation Centre project and the upcoming referendum, please visit www.summerland.ca/recreationcentre.

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On November 4, 2023, eligible voters in Summerland will take part in a referendum for the Summerland Recreation Centre – a new multi-purpose indoor recreation facility.

The proposed facility includes an aquatic centre (that features a lap pool, leisure pool, hot tub, sauna or steam room); fitness centre; fitness/activity multi-purpose room; family/youth multi-purpose room; universal access and family change rooms; and modern energy efficiency building standards (minimum LEED Silver).

To help voters make a well-informed decision for the referendum question, District of Summerland staff are hosting a public open house, as well as several other in-person engagement opportunities and information booths throughout the community over the next several weeks. The intention is to give members of the public an opportunity to talk directly with District staff, learn about the project, and review material together.

“We know this is a big decision for Summerland so we want to ensure people have as many opportunities as possible to ask questions and learn about the proposal,” said Mayor Doug Holmes. “There is a lot of detailed information so we encourage everyone to take the time to attend one of the in-person sessions and learn why a new rec centre is being proposed, what would be included in the facility, and how it would be funded.”

Information regarding voter eligibility and voting dates, times, and locations will also be available at the information sessions.

Upcoming events and pop-up information booths

If a community group would like a Recreation Centre Referendum information presentation (in-person or via Zoom), please make a request by emailing recreation@summerland.ca or calling the Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre at 250-494-0447.

Information about the proposed Summerland Recreation Centre and the upcoming referendum can also be found online anytime, including a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions (FAQs), facility studies and reports, Council reports, and more. Visit www.summerland.ca/recreationcentre to find a link to the interactive webpage today.

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On November 4, 2023, eligible voters in Summerland (including residents and non-resident property owners) will be asked if they are in favour of the District borrowing up to $50 million for the development of the Summerland Recreation Centre – a multi-purpose recreation facility intended to replace the Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre.

Over the next several weeks, the District will be providing a series of media releases with detailed information about the project, the results of extensive public and stakeholder engagement that helped shape the proposed facility, the funding strategy and anticipated impact for Summerland taxpayers, and much more.

All of the information is also available right now online: www.summerland.ca/recreationcentre.

The District’s objective is to share accurate, fact-based information about the project to help voters make a well-informed decision on November 4.

Below are the first few frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the project and the upcoming referendum.

Why is there a referendum on this issue?

The Province of B.C. requires public approval of long-term borrowing. The District of Summerland is asking the public to approve borrowing up to $50 million for detailed design and construction of a new multi-purpose recreation centre, which includes a new aquatic centre and dryland spaces. The facility would be located at 8820 Jubilee Road E, adjacent to the Summerland Arena & Curling Club.

Why is a new Recreation Centre being proposed?

The Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre is at end-of-life. The original facility was constructed in 1976, when Summerland’s population was approximately half of what it is today. Offices were added to the facility in 1988, and a larger fitness centre was built in 1996.

Based on a Facility Condition Assessment that was completed in 2018, all major building mechanical, electrical and pool systems have exceeded their expected usable life. Most of the building envelope is in poor condition with significant air and water leakage and potential for mold. The facility is consuming approximately 86% more energy per unit of floor area than the average swimming pool. The facility does not have fully modern accessible, universal, or family change rooms.

Additionally, the current facility is experiencing the following ongoing issues:

• Termites that compromise the structure of the building
• Ant and rodent infestations
• A leaky roof that requires major repair
• Hot tub failures
• Instability of the main pool basin
• Inability to source facility replacement parts due to antiquated electrical, plumbing, and pool systems

Most aquatic programs are at maximum capacity with long waitlists. Due to the current size of the aquatic centre, only one activity may take place at a time. This results in current demands not being met for public sessions, programs, swim clubs, and rental requests.

Based on a community survey that was completed for the 2018 Parks & Recreation Master Plan, the community indicated replacing the current facility was one of the highest priorities for residents. The 2018 Facility Condition Assessment report also recommends constructing a new facility that is 50% larger than the current facility to meet demands based on the community’s population growth and residents’ recreation needs, now and into the future.

Did the District of Summerland complete a Needs Assessment regarding recreation services and facilities in the community?

Yes, in 2021, the District of Summerland completed a Needs Assessment report to explore a Community Recreation & Health Centre, which included a comprehensive community engagement process with 620 respondents to the first public survey and 386 responses to the follow-up survey.

Community survey results indicated 83% strongly supported and 10% somewhat supported (total 93%) replacing the existing Aquatic and Fitness Centre, and a willingness to pay. The number one indoor recreation space identified as a priority was aquatics.

The community advocated for the minimum/priority (core) spaces in a new recreation facility to include a separate six-lane pool and leisure pool, hot tub, universal change rooms, fitness centre, multi-purpose fitness/activity classroom, youth/family multi-purpose program room, and access to a gymnasium.

Other enhancements for a recreation facility were explored, but were considered “secondary” priorities, and were not included in the design, including: eight-lane competition pool (additional two lanes), child care centre, gymnasium, health centre, tennis centre.

What amenities are included in the proposed facility?

Based on the community input received during the Needs Assessment and a subsequent Feasibility and Site Fit Study, the proposed facility includes the following:

• 6-lane, 25m lap pool, leisure pool, hot tub, steam or sauna room
• Modern change rooms including fully accessible and family/universal change spaces
• Fitness Centre
• Fitness/activity multi-purpose room
• Youth/family multi-purpose room
• Lobby, pool viewing, reception, administration offices
• Modern energy efficiency building standards (minimum LEED Silver)

For more information on the proposed Summerland Recreation Centre project and the upcoming referendum, please visit www.summerland.ca/recreationcentre.

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On November 4, 2023, eligible voters in Summerland will be asked if they are in favour of the District borrowing up to $50 million for the development of the Summerland Recreation Centre – a multi-purpose recreation facility that includes a new aquatic centre, fitness centre, multi-purpose rooms, universal access change rooms, and modern energy efficiency building standards.

To help residents better understand the current and ongoing challenges the Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre is experiencing, the District is inviting the public to get an up-close and personal look at the facility with a series of guided tours. Tours will include walks through the reception, pool area, mechanical room, change spaces, fitness centre, and multi-purpose room.

These tours will take place during the annual maintenance shutdown period, allowing the public to see firsthand what state the building is in, why renovations are not recommended to bring the facility up to modern standards, and why we are going to referendum for a new, larger facility.

Tours are scheduled to happen on three different days and at various times to accommodate as many schedules as possible. Everyone is welcome to attend; however, in order to be able to show people through the facility in an effective way, each tour will have limited space. Therefore, we kindly ask that you register for a tour ahead of time.

Tours will be available at the following times:

• Wednesday, September 6 @ 1 pm
• Thursday, September 7 @ 10 am & 7 pm
• Saturday, September 9 @ 11 am

The Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre is located at 13205 Kelly Avenue, Summerland, BC. To register for a tour, please email recreation@summerland.ca or call 250-494-0447.

For more information on the Summerland Recreation Centre Referendum, please visit www.summerland.ca/recreationcentre.

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The District of Summerland is kicking off a 10-week information sharing campaign for a referendum on the construction of a new Recreation Centre.

General Voting Day for the referendum is Saturday, November 4, 2023 with Advance Voting days on Wednesday, October 25, and Tuesday, October 31.

Eligible voters (Summerland residents and non-resident property owners) will be asked if they are in favour of the District borrowing up to $50 million for detailed design and construction of a new multi-purpose recreation facility that would include:

• a new aquatic centre featuring a 6-lane lap pool, leisure pool, hot tub, steam or sauna room
• a fitness centre
• a multi-purpose fitness room
• a multi-purpose family/youth room
• universal access and family change rooms
• lobby, pool viewing, reception, administration offices
• modern energy efficient building standards (minimum LEED Silver)

The proposed facility is intended to replace the Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre that was constructed in 1976 when Summerland’s population was approximately half of what it is today. The current facility is now at end-of-life and is experiencing significant and ongoing building and maintenance issues, as well as the consumption of approximately 86% more energy per unit of floor area than the average swimming pool.

“Council knows the proposed Summerland Recreation Centre is a significant project for our community and having a fulsome and open discussion about it is critical,” said Mayor Doug Holmes. “That’s why the District is fully committed to taking these next 10 weeks to go through detailed information about how we got here, what’s included in the facility, and how this type of investment would impact Summerland taxpayers.”

Between now and Voting Day, District staff will host a variety of in-person engagements such as public tours of the current facility, open houses, and pop-up booths at community events, as well as make presentations to local community groups. Additionally, there will be weekly media releases, information shared on the District Facebook page, information boards with frequently asked questions, and advertisements reminding residents and property owners of the advance and general voting days.

“We want to make sure voters are able to make a well-informed decision based on accurate, fact-based data. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to learn about the project and be part of the conversation,” said Mayor Holmes. “The decision we make collectively will help shape the future of our community.”

In addition to in-person engagements, news sharing and social media posts, the District of Summerland has developed an interactive webpage where all related information is available. The page is hosted by the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS) ‘Regional Connections’ website, although the proposed Recreation Centre is a Summerland-specific project and referendum, not a regional one.

Visit www.summerland.ca/recreationcentre and click the button directing you to the site. Once on the interactive page, you will find:

• Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
• Key dates with tours, open houses, and pop-up booths
• All media releases shared throughout the campaign
• Project videos
• Parks & Recreation Master Plan and associated studies and reports
• Council reports
• Copies of weekly Facebook posts
• Voting information, and more.

The webpage will be updated regularly. Question can be submitted through the webpage or by email to: recreation@summerland.ca.

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