The project architects presented preliminary facility program and space requirements summary report to Council on November 30. This follows a comprehensive community engagement process this fall which included a public survey with over 600 respondents, stakeholder workshops and questionnaires as well as online public open houses.

Based on what the consultants heard from the first round of engagement, the architects identified what they deemed core spaces to help estimate the cost to replace the existing Summerland Aquatic & Fitness Centre. The core space envisioned a 6-lane lap pool, a leisure pool, 20-person hot tub, sauna/steam room, fitness centre, youth and family oriented multipurpose space, group fitness space, universal and accessible changerooms, office spaces, lobby and viewing area. This proposed facility is 85% larger than the existing facility to meet the growing needs in the community.

Options and costs for secondary spaces were also presented as enhancement opportunities. This includes facility space for 2 additional pool lanes (an 8-lane pool vs 6-lane pool), primary health care centre, licenced childcare, community gymnasium and an indoor tennis facility.

Before the Needs Assessment Report is finalized in January, the District of Summerland would like to hear what the community thinks about the information collected to date and the proposed concept for a new facility.

The community is encouraged to visit the project website at www.summerland.ca/rec-and-health-centre to review the Community Engagement Summary which includes the results of the first survey and to review the Program & Space Requirements Summary.

Residents can provide their feedback on the proposed new Community Recreation and Health Centre for Summerland by completing the brief online survey on the website. The survey will be open until January 3, 2021.