An update on the redevelopment of the Parkinson Recreation Centre at council香蕉视频直播檚 Monday (Mar. 10) meeting drew some pointed questions from one Kelowna councillor.
Senior staff called the project the 香蕉视频直播渉eart of Kelowna香蕉视频直播� and praised an 香蕉视频直播渦nbelievable effort from city departments.香蕉视频直播� Staff also confirmed to council that it will be delivered on budget.
Coun. Ron Cannan asked what metrics will be used to ensure the project stays on budget as promised. General Manager of Infrastructure, Mac Logan, noted that a detailed schedule has been drawn up with the development team and prime contractor.
香蕉视频直播淎s construction on the site is progressing, and you香蕉视频直播檙e completing certain stages of work, you track the percent complete and also the amount of expenditure on a line-by-line basis. The final piece would be the in-service dates for the individual elements, the building itself will obviously be the big one.香蕉视频直播�
Cannan pointed out that it is the largest capital project the city has undertaken. 香蕉视频直播淟ots of eyes are watching, so we want to make sure we don香蕉视频直播檛 have cost overruns,香蕉视频直播� he added.
The cost for just the new PRC building, including site works and access, is $242-$243 million, staff told council. In 2023, Cannan pushed for a referendum to borrow funds to build the facility instead of the Alternative Approval Process that was ultimately used.
Cannan also asked if regional district partners or First Nations would provide any funding for the project. The answer from staff was no.
香蕉视频直播淭he reason I ask is that the City of Vernon has implemented a two-tiered fee structure,香蕉视频直播� he said. 香蕉视频直播淪o those that are local residents pay one rate, and you have a fee for service that can be arranged for our regional partners.香蕉视频直播�
City Manager Doug Gilchrist said that staff will bring a fee discussion to council at a later date. Council previously directed staff to investigate a resident discount rate or non-resident fee at city facilities in 2024. Cannan also asked what became of plans for potential affordable housing on the redeveloped PRC site.
Director of Partnerships and Investments, Derek Edstrom, pointed out that space is at a premium. 香蕉视频直播淥ne thing I can make note of is that on Glenmore Road, staff have acquired two sets of properties to support housing in the area."
Several councillors praised the development. 香蕉视频直播淭his is a legacy project for our city,香蕉视频直播� said Coun. Mohini Singh. 香蕉视频直播淚t doesn香蕉视频直播檛 come cheap, I get that, but we香蕉视频直播檙e preparing for the city of tomorrow. It香蕉视频直播檚 money well spent.香蕉视频直播�
Coun. Gord Lovegrove admitted that he has changed his mind about the project moving forward. 香蕉视频直播淔ive years ago, I wasn香蕉视频直播檛 sure. But I really like where we have come in the short time I香蕉视频直播檝e been on council.香蕉视频直播�
Mayor Tom Dyas gave kudos to staff for their work on the development. 香蕉视频直播淵ou香蕉视频直播檝e accomplished something amazing that I believe will be felt in this community for many years to come.香蕉视频直播�
The new PRC will feature three full-sized gyms, a fitness centre, a 25-metre pool, and childcare and youth areas. Outdoor amenities include six sports fields, pickleball and tennis courts, a cycle track linking to the Okanagan Rail Trail, and multi-use pathways connected to Mill Creek.
Construction is expected to start in the spring.
