Proposed swimming pool at C2 would cost between $17-22 million, feasibility study says

The cost of a new swimming pool at the Centennial Centre would be between $17-22 million dollars, the aquatics committee presented to residents on Thursday during their open house.

Residents were able to give feedback and look at the designs of what a new swimming pool would look like while getting a hard cost estimate for the addition.

The main amenities for the pool would be a water slide, hot tub and steam room, a six-lane, 25-metre main program tank, with a shallow pool, “lazy river,” and mini-lanes.

The feasibility study led to discussions with stakeholders about the balance between “wants” and financial realities.

The operating costs yearly for the pool would approximately $850,000, just over $300,000 more than the swimming pool in use currently in Bonnyville.

An overwhelming 87 per cent of survey respondents in the feasibility study said there is a need for a new aquatics facility.

Thirty-five per cent of residents said their pool usage would increase significantly (over 21 times) if a pool was built at the C2, while 29 per cent said it would increase moderately, and 20 per cent responding with a slight increase.

Sixty-two per cent of residents said the quality of life benefits should be the main focus when pursuing the project.

Forty-five per cent of respondents said they would be in favour of increasing taxes to pursue a new pool, while 26 per cent said no. Twenty-nine per cent responded they were unsure.

The next steps of the project will be for the Town of Bonnyville and M.D. of Bonnyville to determine if the project is viable and funding options.