Plan view of proposed upgrades to Quesnel and District Arts and Recreation Centre pool facilities (City of Quesnel).
QUESNEL POOL REFERENDUM

Referendum on June 19 confirmed for proposed Quesnel pool upgrade

Apr 18, 2021 | 2:12 PM

QUESNEL — A larger leisure pool, a lazy river, a toddler play area, a gradual entry, new saunas, and a new hot tub.

On June 19, Eligible voters will have their say if they want to borrow $20 million for these proposed pool upgrades in Quesnel.

The referendum will ask voters if they support borrowing the necessary monies to move forward with the upgrades at the Quesnel and District Arts and Recreation Centre as early as spring 2022.

The project was brought forward by the North Cariboo Joint Advisory Committee, consisting of representatives from Quesnel Council and Cariboo Regional District directors from the North Cariboo (Areas A, B, C, and I).

“The time has come for us to address the pool as the next high-priority project in the North Cariboo,” Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson said. “We require modern recreation amenities to attract and retain residents and to improve the quality of life for the people who call Quesnel home. Investing in our recreation infrastructure is essential to the long-term sustainability of our community.”

Other planned improvements would include a new raised viewing area, and improvements to change areas to better meet the needs of families and people with disabilities. Mechanical and HVAC equipment upgrades are also part of the project.

The estimated capital cost for the project is $20 million, which includes design and construction. The recreation centre’s estimated net operating costs would increase by approximately $200,000 per year, due to the additional staffing, maintenance, and utility costs for the larger facility.

Ongoing operational costs would be included in the Centre’s budget.

Details regarding voting and the potential upgrades are available online.