An update on the redevelopment of the Parkinson Recreation Centre at council鈥檚 Monday (Mar. 10) meeting drew some pointed questions from one 麻豆精选 councillor.
Senior staff called the project the 鈥渉eart of 麻豆精选鈥� and praised an 鈥渦nbelievable effort from city departments.鈥� Staff also confirmed to council that it will be delivered on budget.
Coun. Ron Cannan asked what metrics will be used to ensure the project stays on budget as promised. General Manager of Infrastructure, Mac Logan, noted that a detailed schedule has been drawn up with the development team and prime contractor.
鈥淎s construction on the site is progressing, and you鈥檙e completing certain stages of work, you track the percent complete and also the amount of expenditure on a line-by-line basis. The final piece would be the in-service dates for the individual elements, the building itself will obviously be the big one.鈥�
Cannan pointed out that it is the largest capital project the city has undertaken. 鈥淟ots of eyes are watching, so we want to make sure we don鈥檛 have cost overruns,鈥� he added.
The cost for just the new PRC building, including site works and access, is $242-$243 million, staff told council. In 2023, Cannan pushed for a referendum to borrow funds to build the facility instead of the Alternative Approval Process that was ultimately used.
Cannan also asked if regional district partners or First Nations would provide any funding for the project. The answer from staff was no.
鈥淭he reason I ask is that the City of Vernon has implemented a two-tiered fee structure,鈥� he said. 鈥淪o those that are local residents pay one rate, and you have a fee for service that can be arranged for our regional partners.鈥�
City Manager Doug Gilchrist said that staff will bring a fee discussion to council at a later date. Council previously directed staff to investigate a resident discount rate or non-resident fee at city facilities in 2024. Cannan also asked what became of plans for potential affordable housing on the redeveloped PRC site.
Director of Partnerships and Investments, Derek Edstrom, pointed out that space is at a premium. 鈥淥ne thing I can make note of is that on Glenmore Road, staff have acquired two sets of properties to support housing in the area."
Several councillors praised the development. 鈥淭his is a legacy project for our city,鈥� said Coun. Mohini Singh. 鈥淚t doesn鈥檛 come cheap, I get that, but we鈥檙e preparing for the city of tomorrow. It鈥檚 money well spent.鈥�
Coun. Gord Lovegrove admitted that he has changed his mind about the project moving forward. 鈥淔ive years ago, I wasn鈥檛 sure. But I really like where we have come in the short time I鈥檝e been on council.鈥�
Mayor Tom Dyas gave kudos to staff for their work on the development. 鈥淵ou鈥檝e accomplished something amazing that I believe will be felt in this community for many years to come.鈥�
The new PRC will feature three full-sized gyms, a fitness centre, a 25-metre pool, and childcare and youth areas. Outdoor amenities include six sports fields, pickleball and tennis courts, a cycle track linking to the Okanagan Rail Trail, and multi-use pathways connected to Mill Creek.
Construction is expected to start in the spring.
