The referendum to determine if the City of Victoria can borrow up to $168.9 million to replace the Crystal Pool will be held on Feb. 8 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Residents of the city who are at least 18, 91原创 citizens and have lived in the province for at least six months can cast votes at any of 10 locations around the city, by mail or at the advance voting station.
Advance voting will be offered from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. on Jan. 29, Feb. 3 and Feb. 5 at the Crystal Garden at 713 Douglas St.
Victoria council decided this year to put the fate of the aging fitness facility in the hands of the city’s residents.
Residents will vote on whether to borrow the money, as well as on which of two sites in Central Park they would prefer to see the new facility built — on the site of the existing pool (Central Park North) or on the playground and sport courts beside the existing pool (Central Park South).
The project would be the city’s most expensive ever.
The Central Park North option, with an estimated price tag of $209.2 million, would take five to six years to build.
Borrowing for that option would be reduced to $162.9 million by using $30 million from the city’s debt reduction reserve and $17 million from its parking reserve fund.
The price tag for the Central Park South option is $215.9 million, but borrowing would be reduced to $168.9 million by using the reserve funds.
Either way, the budget for the pool replacement has nearly tripled since 2017.
City staff say that’s because of increased cost for building materials, labour and other expenses, including architectural and engineering fees and permits, and building-code and energy-regulation changes.
The facility will include a 50-metre pool with movable bulkhead, a leisure pool with a lazy river and play features, two hot pools plus a steam room and a sauna.
The facility will also have a large fitness area, a half-size gymnasium and multi-purpose rooms for dance, wellness and art activities, a seniors’ room, space for child minding, family change rooms, and a community gathering space.
On Feb. 8, residents can vote at: Crystal Garden, Central Middle School, George Jay Elementary School, Glenlyon Norfolk School, James Bay Community School, Margaret Jenkins Elementary School, Oaklands Elementary School, Quadra Elementary School, Sir James Douglas Elementary School and Victoria West Elementary School.
Registered voters must bring one piece of identification with them, while those registering to vote must bring two pieces of ID.
Starting Jan. 6, residents can also vote by mail by completing an online ballot request at , calling 250-361-0571 or going to City Hall before Jan. 31.
Information about the Crystal Pool Replacement Project is available at .
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