An assessment of the condition of the Comox Valley Aquatic Centre estimates $7.88 million of upgrades and maintenance are needed over the next 10 years. About $3.2 million is required over the next year, $3.5 million over the remaining five years, and $1.1 million in years six to 10. Urgent work is needed on the flat and sloped roof, expected to cost $1.2 million, along with significant mechanical upgrades. Sanitization and filtration upgrades are also needed this year.
The Aquatic Centre was constructed in 1999. Some of its areas are still in “very good condition,” Jennifer Zbinden, the CVRD’s senior manager of recreation services, said at the May 25 Recreation Commission meeting.
“Maintenance has allowed most components to remain serviceable through their expected life.”
She noted the life expectancy of a swimming pool is 30-60 years. The cost to build a new pool can range from $39 million to $132 million.
READ: Comox Valley Aquatic Centre expected to open in fall
Exhibition Grounds
The commission received a draft of an Exhibition Grounds conceptual site study, which is intended to better integrate and plan for development of the grounds, the adjacent Stonehenge site, and road and river boundaries. The cost to implement the plan is $7.6 million over 10 years. In the first two years, the cost is estimated at $2,619,000, which includes a Farmers’ Market vendor area, a Tsolum Way trailhead and a food hub building.
The grounds are home to the Comox Valley Farmers’ Market, the Fall Fair, the curling rink, MusicFest, Ribfest, and several canine and equine user groups.
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