Dear Editor:

I am the president of the North Shore Aquatics Society. For the past seven years we have been advocating for a 50-metre pool as part of the redevelopment of the Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre.

The city had concerns about the cost of building and operating the pool. They also wondered if there was public support for a 50-metre pool. In our presentation of our business plan to the city on May 15 we provided a financial plan for the capital costs and described an operating strategy that would make the pool affordable for the city and its residents. We also provided over 4,500 signatures that support the 50-metre pool.

[Read more…]

On June 26, the North Vancouver City Council voted to proceed with a 50-metre pool at Harry Jerome.

The North Shore Aquatics Society presented our Business Plan to the City of North Vancouver on May 16, 2017. The Business Plan outlined how the incremental capital costs of the 50-metre pool, above the 25 metre pool, could be covered. The Business Plan also noted that the difference between operating a 50-metre pool and the proposed 10-lane, 25-metre pool was very small – only $200,000 – and laid out several ways that the City would be able to cover the operating costs. Significant public support for the pool was demonstrated to the City through over 4,500 signatures on our petition and the tremendous turnout in Council chambers.

[Read more…]

Council reverses decision to halt process

You’ve got to spend money to figure out how much money you need to spend.

That was the conclusion City of North Vancouver council reached Monday as they reversed an earlier decision that might have delayed the new Harry Jerome rec centre by a year.

See more at: http://www.nsnews.com/news/harry-jerome-planning-gets-green-light-1.21274094

[Read more…]

Replacement of aging rec centre on hold pending residential tower density decision for 23rd St. site

Council agrees on the need to build a new Harry Jerome rec centre – but there’s still a split on both how they’ll go about replacing the dilapidated rec centre and exactly what they’ll replace it with.

A majority of council voted for a $160-million rec centre with a curling rink and a 50-metre pool. However, council needs to be sure there’s water in the pool before they take the plunge, according to Coun. Craig Keating.

See more at: http://www.nsnews.com/news/harry-jerome-halts-over-cash-qualms-1.20794949

Check out a conceptual design for what Harry Jerome could look like with an 8 lane 50 metre pool.

Dear Editor:

The City of North Vancouver is on the verge of approving a 10-lane, 25-metre pool for the Harry Jerome replacement project. The Harry Jerome facility is in the most easily accessible location on the North Shore whether by car, bike, foot or public transit. If a 50-metre pool is not built now, there is a strong risk that no 50-metre pool will be built for at least another 60 years.

See more at: http://www.nsnews.com/opinion/letters/letter-sink-or-swim-for-50m-pool-at-harry-jerome-1.19993702

User groups jockey for space in planned replacement for city’s aging Central Lonsdale rec centre

Our sport is popular, growing, and would be a wonderful addition to the new Harry Jerome rec centre.

That was the message City of North Vancouver council heard Monday on behalf of curlers, swimmers, gymnasts, hockey players, and figure skaters.

See more at: http://www.nsnews.com/news/sports-groups-make-harry-jerome-pitch-1.19975016

City of North Van planning technician Andrew Yu discusses plans for the new Harry Jerome rec centre at a recent open house.

Council is scheduled to discuss the future of Harry Jerome at a special council meeting on Monday, May 15 at city hall. The following night, Tuesday, May 15, a “town hall” meeting to receive public input on the topic will be held at the Pinnacle from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

See more at: http://www.nsnews.com/news/all-hands-on-rec-1.19101672