The Comox Valley Regional District has managed to keep the Sports Centre open during the coronavirus pandemic. The district plans on undertaking improvements to the Aquatic Centre in spring and summer, and anticipates re-opening the facility in the fall, pending further wrinkles with COVID.
A facility assessment is underway at the Aquatic Centre to refine project plans.
In a Tuesday presentation to the Recreation Commission, recreation services manager Jennifer Zbinden said the sports centre is an easier facility to manage COVID-19 protocols, and operates at a similar cost to running both facilities.
“We’re working hard for the community,” Zbinden said. “We have a choice, we can be in limbo for another year, or we can provide the community with a solid path.”
At the last meeting, Eleanor and Seamus Nesling had urged the commission to re-open the Aquatic Centre for lane swimming and rehab.
Zbinden noted Tuesday that some people don’t realize the Sports Centre pool is open.
“We have open swims that fall within the guidelines of the provincial health orders, and they’re not full,” she said. “There’s one or two people in them.”
The commission approved a recommended five-year financial plan for the Recreation Complex Service. Based on the 2021 assessment roll, the tax impact for a property assessed at $500,000 would be $121.15.
The CVRD has submitted a $2,194, 800 grant application for Sports Centre upgrades. If the grant is approved, both facilities will benefit. The Aquatic Centre could be in line for upgraded LED lighting, a replaced roof and sound system, and an electric vehicle charging station.