Summerland, B.C., recently faced a failed community referendum to construct a new pool facility, leading the council to focus on repairing the existing Aquatic and Fitness Centre. Following an initial allocation of $110,000 for roof repairs from the general fund capital works reserve, it was discovered that additional repairs were needed due to the deteriorating wooden structure. This unexpected expense of $240,000 brought the total cost of the project to $350,000. To cover this additional cost, the council decided to use a portion of the growing communities fund provided by the province, with no anticipated tax implications. The completion of the entire project is estimated to take a minimum of two weeks.
The Facility Condition Assessment Report from 2018 revealed that the Aquatic and Fitness Centre is nearing the end of its serviceable life and requires significant upgrades to remain operational. As a result, the focus has shifted towards completing necessary repairs to ensure the building’s functionality. The ongoing roofing project is considered a major repair for the facility, and once it is completed, further investigations will be conducted on all building systems to determine any additional repairs that may be needed in the near future. Minor repairs will be addressed as they arise, while major repairs or upgrades will be brought back to the council for consideration during the 2025 budget deliberations as part of the five-year capital plan.
Despite concerns about the aging infrastructure, Mayor Doug Holmes reassured the community that there would be no additional tax implications for the current repairs on the Aquatic and Fitness Centre. However, the future funding for major repairs or upgrades beyond the roofing project remains uncertain. The failed referendum to borrow $50 million for a new facility reflects the community’s reluctance to invest in a complete overhaul, prompting the council to focus on maintaining the existing facility to the best of their abilities within the allocated budget. The decision to use a portion of the growing communities fund demonstrates a strategic approach to managing unexpected expenses while prioritizing the ongoing functionality of the Aquatic and Fitness Centre.
The completion of the roofing project is seen as a crucial first step in addressing the immediate maintenance needs of the Aquatic and Fitness Centre. By proactively tackling major repairs, such as the deteriorating roof, the council aims to prolong the lifespan of the facility and ensure a safe and functional environment for residents. The commitment to conducting thorough investigations of all building systems following the roof repairs indicates a proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential issues before they escalate. By addressing minor repairs in a timely manner and planning for future major upgrades through the five-year capital plan, the council hopes to maintain the Aquatic and Fitness Centre as a valuable community asset for years to come, despite the challenges presented by its aging infrastructure.
