Crystal Pool's future will soon be in the hands of Victoria residents as options for the pool's future will be on a referendum ballot in early February.
On Saturday, Feb. 8, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Victoria residents will have the opportunity to vote on whether the city can borrow up to $168.9 million to replace the facility; and, to select a preferred site option between "Central Park North" or "Central Park South."
The new facility would offer a 50-metre pool, a leisure pool with 25m warm-up lanes, a shallow area, play features and a lazy river, two hot pools at different temperatures, a sauna and steam room, a large fitness studio and a number of multi-purpose rooms.
Each site option has a unique design and budget. For both options, a total of $47 million will be used from the city's reserve funds.
Borrowing funds required to build the Central Park North option is $162.2 million, offering a shorter overall construction schedule and a less complex construction plan. The impact on property taxes would be an average of $232 per residence for 20 years.
For the Central Park South option, the borrowing required to build it would be $168.9 million, which would impact property taxes at an average of $240 per residence for 20 years.
One coalition of Victorians has started a campaign, Let's Get Crystal Clear, urging residents to vote 'Yes' in the referendum, saying the facility will better serve the community's growing needs.
"We need a strong yes vote on Feb. 8 to tell mayor and council that Victoria wants a new Crystal Pool now. A new pool will benefit everyone in our community – from our kids and seniors to our athletes and fitness enthusiasts. It’s about the future of health, wellness, and accessibility in Victoria. It’s about time we got this done,” said Karmen McNamara, a champion triathelete, in a news release from the campaign.
Advance voting will be offered from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29, Monday, Feb. 3 and Wednesday, Feb. 5 at the Crystal Garden at 713 Douglas St.
Residents can vote at Crystal Gardens, 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.
The Crystal Garden voting place will have an accessible voting machine.
Starting Jan. 6, Victoria voters can request a mail ballot by completing an online form at victoria.ca/referendum, by calling 250-361-0571 or by going to city hall in person from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. by Friday, Jan. 31.
For more information, visit victoria.ca/referendum.
