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Town scales back pool plan, looks to build $20 million facility

Walking track and underground parking eliminated in new proposal
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The Town of Princeton is asking the provincial government for $14.6 million to build an indoor aquatic centre. (Contributed)

Princeton has a new indoor aquatic centre plan, and its been sent to the provincial government along with a request for $14.6 million.

The package is a scaled down version of the original proposal, developed in 2018.

That design would have cost $27 million, and the associated $24.5 million grant application was unsuccessful.

“We determined that our (initial) application and grant proposal was too large,” said town CAO Lyle Thomas. “It was a very large ask.”

The architects were tasked earlier this year with drafting an alternative.

The new concept eliminates the second floor of the facility, and with it the walking track and pickle ball room.

However Thomas said the design allows for a second storey to be added in the future, if needed.

The building’s footprint has also been reduced, which means it can sit entirely on the former Overwaitea property on Bridge Street. The first proposal would have required the municipality to purchase adjacent property.

Underground parking has also been scuppered.

“That was a large savings in itself,” said Thomas.

In total the amenity would cost approximately $20 million, with the municipality committing $5 million.

Thomas stressed that the aquatic features of project remain the same. Those include a lap pool suitable for competition, a lazy river, leisure pool, hot tub and sauna.

“We have scaled it down but we are still offering a facility that is meeting the needs of the community.”

The town has applied for funds under the second intake of the Canada-British Columbia Investing in Canada Infrastructure – Community, Culture and Recreation Program.

It will likely be early summer 2021 before announcements from that program are made.

Princeton council dives into new pool proposal

Province denies $20 million grant application for Princeton’s aquatic centre

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Andrea DeMeer

About the Author: Andrea DeMeer

Andrea is the publisher of the Similkameen Spotlight.
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