The Aquatic facilities in both the City of North Vancouver and the District of North Vancouver are deteriorating and unable to meet present public demand let alone the future. Furthermore, many Aquatic programs are no longer available to North Shore Residence due to the lack of aquatic space. Regional, provincial and national aquatic events are not hosted on the North Shore due to the limited size and design of existing pools as a result both the City and District are not able to benefit from the economic spin-off of hosting such events. Presently, there is a development proposal for the Harry Jerome pool. This proposal is for a 10 lane 25 meter pool. A facility of this size and design will not handle the existing or future public demand, will promote access to new aquatic programs presently lacking on the North Shore and it will not attract any aquatic events which could help off-set operating costs or support local business. An alternative proposal has been presented for a 50 Meter 8 lane pool which would meet public program demand, attract aquatic events and provide financial benefits to the local businesses and most importantly enable our residents to have constant access to aquatic activities. The increased capital cost to construct the expanded facility is approximately 50% more than the 25 meter pool. However, the 50 meter pool proposal provides a multi-purpose facility which could offer more program flexibility, new aquatic programs for our families and an increase in revenue generated by aquatic events and provides income opportunities for the local businesses.

Question #1 from Aquatics

1. Do you support the concept of replacing the present Harry Jerome Facility with a 50 meter pool complex which would not only increase aquatic activities available to all North Shore residents but would also create potential income to offset operating cost and support local businesses?

Question #2 from Aquatics

2. What is your position on capital cost sharing between the City and District for facilities which provide benefits to both district and city residents, particularly facilities in which operating cost are presently shared?

[Read more…]