Victoria voters will decide on February 8th whether to fund a new Crystal Pool facility and its location. The current pool, built in 1971, is in poor condition and requires significant upgrades. A new pool would include a 50-meter pool, leisure pool, fitness studio, sauna, steam rooms, and more. Two potential locations are Central Park North and Central Park South. The referendum will also ask voters if the new facility should remain at its current location or be built in the south section of the park.
On Saturday, Feb. 8, Victoria voters will decide whether the City of Victoria borrows up to $168.9 million to replace the Crystal Pool facility, and if so, choose one of two new locations for the facility: Central Park North or Central Park South.
The vote also asks whether the new facility should remain in its current location in North Central Park or be built in the south section of the park.To learn more about the referendum, including why it’s happening, what this means and how to vote, continue reading the three collapsible sections below.
In 2017, a city-commissioned feasibility study determined retrofitting the existing pool would cost roughly the same as a full rebuild due to significant upgrades required to meet modern seismic, energy efficiency and accessibility standards. The city argues a new pool investment is a more practical option long-term than renovating.
If the pool is not replaced, Victoria could be left without a public aquatic centre, as staff have indicated that the current facility will not be able to operate indefinitely.
Victoria Crystal Pool Referendum New Construction Community Vote Aquatic Facility Central Park
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Victoria votes Feb. 8 on fate of Crystal Pool: A guide to what's at stakeEven if the public votes against financing the project, there’s every chance another option will rise from its ashes.
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Victoria Councillors Clash Over Crystal Pool Referendum AdsA heated debate erupted at a Victoria City Council meeting regarding the neutrality of advertisements for the upcoming Crystal Pool referendum. Councillor Steve Hammond argued that the materials promoted the new pool project rather than presenting unbiased information. Councillor Jeremy Caradonna accused Hammond of lying and questioned his motives. The debate also spilled into the break period, involving other councillors and advocates.
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Victoria councillor demands public apology over ‘defamatory’ comments surrounding Crystal Pool referendumHammond is asking for a motion to be passed where council requests Caradonna make a public apology for comments he considers defamatory.
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