Lisa Helps ‘optimistic’ about option to build Crystal Pool replacement on Central Middle School field

Central Middle School’s playing field

Victoria’s Mayor Lisa Helps says she is “very optimistic” about the option to possibly build a Crystal Pool replacement on Central Middle School’s playing field.

She says the city received a letter of request from the school district saying it would be an opportunity to partner in the idea. The topic will be covered in the committee of the whole and council meeting Thursday.

City staff are recommending spending $260,000 for a feasibility study to see if the new location could work.

“We need a new pool without question, we’ve done a detailed business case and the old pool is on its last legs,” said Helps.

“Investing in the old pool is not the best way to spend taxpayer dollars for the long term… so if we need a new pool we need a new site.”

Helps says the North Park Neighbourhood where the current pool is was clear that they wanted to preserve the area as a green space.

“Once the old pool is decommissioned that will be a spectacular park… it will be added to with more green space.”

She adds that the new idea has played out well for others.

“Schools and pools go well together and they have had success in other cities… this is a good option and we do have money in our reserve fund to pay for the added feasibility study.”

The city will be conducting community engagement over the next few months.  Helps hopes something is put forward before the end of 2019 and that at the latest construction would begin by 2021.

READ MORE: Plans to replace Victoria’s Crystal Pool in the works, no cost yet

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