To the Editor,
As you may already be aware, phase 2 of the new aquatic centre study is underway. This phase has provided a unique opportunity for the public to actively participate in building and pricing the new centre. However, as the costing reveals, it is important to acknowledge that there may be some initial sticker shock due to a significant cost increase compared to the previous study conducted in 2011.
Back then, a new aquatic centre was projected to cost $12 -$18 million depending on the chosen design. In hindsight, it seems like quite a steal by today’s standards. Why didn’t we build it then? How did we get to this point?
The last study was conducted during Mayor John Douglas’s term. While he showed interest in the project, his focus was primarily developing Canal Beach.
Then Mayor Mike Ruttan, whose first priority was upending city management because of his perceived idea of problems in the administration, and then focusing all of his attention on Johnston Road upgrades.
Now, under her second term, Mayor Sharie Minions’ main focus has been building a path and purchasing the Somass lands. In doing council has used the city’s reserve funds like an ATM machine, withdrawing nearly $10 million for both projects.
None of them ever pushed the need for a new aquatic centre as a city priority.
At best they have all just given it lip service. None has made saving money for a new pool a priority, rather focusing on their own personal priorities, not the community’s.
With the 2024 budget soon to be released, we will have a glimpse into the city’s commitment towards working on a new centre by how much money they are willing to save. Or will they just continue to kick the can down the road hoping it will build itself?
Randy Fraser,
Port Alberni
(Editor’s note: The current aquatic centre study is being conducted by the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District).
