Project Update
The Crystal Pool and Wellness Centre Replacement Project has been a priority focus of the City of Victoria, with a goal of ensuring that this infrastructure meets the community’s social, health and wellness, and environmental objectives over the long term. The new facility will be a fully-accessible, inclusive, and welcoming community centre for residents of all ages.
Late last year Council directed staff to work with the operators of the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre, RG Facilities, on the potential for the new community recreation facility to be located in the parking lot next to the arena. Over the past five months staff and representatives of RG Facilities met to investigate this opportunity, however, the parties were unable to find a mutually acceptable arrangement. As a result, the City is now considering two other potential locations.
At the May 23 Committee of the Whole meeting, Council will consider a staff report offering a high-level assessment of the advantages and disadvantages associated with each of the following site options. One location, at 940 Caledonia St, is currently serving as a public parking lot across from Royal Athletic Park, and has been previously considered by Council. A second location, recently identified through discussions with representatives of School District 61, is the western portion of the large field next to Central Middle School. Staff are particularly encouraged about the potential benefits that may arise from a partnership with the School District, for the student population as well as the wider community.
The purpose of the staff report is to seek Council direction on a preferred location so that the project team can commence a detailed study of the opportunities, risks, design considerations, and costs. This exercise is likely to take the balance of the year to complete and would include public participation.
The report will be presented to Council on Thursday, May 23, 2019.
