The long journey to decide what to do with Victoria’s Crystal Pool has come to an end with the majority of voters voting yes to the project.
“I would hope that people would be satisfied that they finally had an opportunity to choose and make a decision and that decision seems clear,” said Mayor Marianne Alto.
"I'm hoping that this outcome will allow us to very definitely move forward and get on with the job."
The Feb. 8 referendum's voting outcome was definitive with 58.71 per cent (9,115 votes) of electors supporting the project – with 60.57 per cent in favour of putting the new pool in Central Park North, the existing site, rather than Central Park South (39.43 per cent of votes). The results will be certified on Wednesday.
Alto said the turnout was strong for an election of this type, which saw 21.18 per cent of electors participate.
Set to provide a new recreation centre with a 50-metre pool and other aquatic facilities along with a fitness studio, multi-purpose rooms and community spaces, the project will now proceed if votes are certified.
"We are pleased that residents of Victoria understand the value of investing in sustainable recreation infrastructure. We are grateful to everyone who supported the campaign," said Karmen McNamara, the media spokesperson for Let's Get Crystal Clear, who has long advocated for the project. “Affordability goes beyond housing: it also extends to affordable access to recreation for everyone.”
Constructing the pool in the north end of the park is the less expensive option, estimated at $209.2 million and requiring a loan of $162.2 million. Construction in the north end of the park will be shorter and less complex, anticipated to take a total of 5-6 years, with 21 months spent on design and the remaining 41 months spent on construction.
Taxpayers will pay an additional $232 per year in property taxes for the project for 20 years.
The existing pool will close during construction.
“There will be some really important conversations about a realistic timeline," Alto said. "Obviously part of that will include some very sophisticated conversations with our colleagues and other municipalities, so that we can begin to negotiate."
In June 2024, Victoria council approved a replacement project for the current, aging Crystal Pool, allowing voters to weigh in on whether the city would take out a loan of up to $168.9 million to fund it, as well as voice their opinion on where the pool should be located.
The project remained contentious for much of its lifespan with supporters and detractors on both sides of the issue; some advocated for the importance of a community space with a pool and fitness centre and others were skeptical that the project was worth the cost.
The drama behind the project even bled into Victoria council chambers when Coun. Jeremy Caradonna called Coun. Stephen Hammond a liar during a debate regarding the Crystal Pool referendum, eventually leading to a formal apology from Caradonna.
The decision on where to build the facility was significant as well. While both potential sites would see the city use $47 million of reserve funds, to reduce borrowing a loan was necessary.
Both site plans – though they varied in cost and timeline – included green space in Central Park, a new traffic signal at Quadra and Princess to improve safety and access and a multi-use pathway connecting the park to Vancouver Street.
