How can I get involved in supporting the movement for a 50m in North Vancouver?
There are a few ways you can get involved – sign the petition to support a 50m pool, sign up to become a member of the society and stay up-to-date about the progress of our movement. Let the City of North Vancouver and the District of North Vancouver Mayor and Councillors know that you support and want a 50m pool on the North Shore. Attend the City Council meeting when the final decision will be made on the 50m pool.
Why do we need a 50m pool over a 10-lane 25m pool?
Although a 10-lane, 25m pool will address some of the immediate need for additional lap pool space, such a facility has constraints that limit its value for the millions in cost of construction.
Scheduling in a 25m pool does not allow simultaneous multiple aquatic activities. The current Harry Jerome schedule only provides 16.4% ‘drop-in’ access for the general public, as the remainder of the time is rentals and lessons. A new 10-lane, 25m pool will be similarly constrained. This affects accessibility and programming options available to the public.
A 50m pool has the flexibility to run other activities simultaneously, has the ability to host all aquatic sports (not just lap swimming), has a much broader appeal for the general public, and addresses the shortcomings of a 25m pool identified above. It will satisfy the needs of the public for the lifetime of the pool (next 50 years).
Won’t a 50m pool cost more to build AND operate?
The cost of building a 50m pool is approximately 25% more than building a 25m pool; but provides three times the flexibility and twice as much revenue generating pool space. The operating costs of a 50m pool (as described by Asbell Management’s review of fifty-two 50m pools across Canada) are roughly $350,000 to $500,000 per year. On average, a 50m pool in the Lower Mainland operates for about $1 to $1.2 million. A 10-lane, 25m pool will cost between $1 and $1.5 million (based on the operating costs of the only two pools of this size in Canada).
What is the mission of the North Shore Aquatics Society?
To provide an aquatic facility that will ensure all citizens have access to quality recreational services that will enhance the health, economic and social conditions for the citizens of North Vancouver.
