The redevelopment of Campbell River’s Strathcona Gardens recreation complex is a step closer to reality now that the Strathcona Regional District has been given the go-ahead to borrow nearly $65 million to fund the project.
The district in a release says it initiated an alternative approval process (AAP) on Aug. 23 for a loan authorization bylaw. This would enable the borrowing of up to $64.6 million for the redevelopment of Strathcona Gardens, which is located on Dogwood Street.
According to the district, an AAP is used “to gauge support and obtain legislative approval from electors for the initiative and borrowing proposal.”
It says 106 electors, or 0.32 per cent, submitted forms through the AAP to oppose the bylaw. Since that’s less than 10 per cent of the number of electors in Campbell River and Area D — 32,880 people — the approval of electors was obtained.
The AAP closed at noon on Oct. 4.
The district is calling the project “REC-REATE” and says it’s been years in the making. It was more than seven years ago when “recommendations from multiple studies” suggested Strathcona Gardens, the city’s only recreation complex with an indoor pool, be upgraded.
“The aging facility can’t meet full demand for programs and services,” reads a post on RecreateSG.ca.
The district says borrowed funds will be allocated for phases 1 and 2.
The first phase will include a new aquatic centre with an eight-lane pool, accessible therapy pool, hot pool and leisure pool with a lazy river, climbing wall and waterslide. Plans also call for a new fitness and wellness centre with sauna and steam rooms, as well as renovated change rooms and administrative areas.
The second phase, meanwhile, includes a major renovation at the Rod Brind’Amour area, including a walking track and more seating to meet Junior A hockey requirements.
A construction timeline has not yet been announced.
The district’s board of directors will discuss next steps at a meeting on Nov. 8.
More information about the redevelopment, including detailed designs, is posted here.
NEWS | Strathcona Gardens REC-REATE Project Alternative Approval Process Results
A total of 106 electors (0.32%) submitted valid forms through the AAP to oppose the $64.6 million loan authorization bylaw. Read more > https://t.co/h9OQ6yqBrX pic.twitter.com/ifgvkPdSR0— Strathcona Regional District / Strathcona Gardens (@StrathconaRD) October 20, 2023
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Ethan Morneau
