The city is asking for public feedback after releasing a feasibility study for a proposed pool and multiplex facility.
The project will feature a six-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, hot tub, gymnasium and indoor track. It also includes a community recreation centre with public and multi-purpose space designed to accommodate public events, according to the city. The project’s proposed site is the southeast corner of Despard Avenue.
“This is Parksville’s largest project to date and will provide amenities, programs, services and a social gathering space for seniors and young families for years to come,” said Mayor Ed Mayne.
Council capped the project’s budget at $50 million, but at this early stage it is difficult to determine exact costs, according to the city. The city said it will hold a referendum prior to borrowing money for construction.
“The costs to the taxpayer will vary depending on the grants received for construction, the final design of the facility, the selected operating model and the participants in the service,” reads a report by Keeva Kehler, the city’s chief administrative officer.
The city said it will engage a consultant to facilitate community involvement and provide final detailed design and cost estimates for the project’s construction and operations.
In-person community engagement will happen when it is safe to do so, the city said. For now, residents can visit the city’s public engagement platform, Let’s Talk Parksville to view background information, staff reports, studies, assessments and stakeholder engagement session results.
The city hired HDR Architecture Associates to undertake the pool and multiplex feasibility study in 2019. Work began in January 2020, with the feasibility report finalized in December 2020. A series of workshops and stakeholder sessions were hosted by HDR in March 2020 and due to the pandemic, planned interactive public consultation events were postponed to the next phase of the project.
