Aquatic Centre debated

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Regional District leaders continued their discussion of the proposed aquatic centre yesterday.

The ACRD Board of Directors received the report from the Alberni Valley Aquatic Centre Advisory Committee and thanked them for their year of discussions.

Directors were told the cost could escalate by $10 million to $78 million if the project doesn’t start until 2026.

Beaufort Director Fred Boyko voiced concern that if areas vote against a new pool, they would inevitably be forced into it by a majority.

“This is a big project,” he said. “If an area does not want to opt in I don’t want them to be forced to go into it, and I want to make sure that the people, if they say something, then their word actually matters.”

Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions continued her argument that it’s all for one or none for all

“There is no intent to force anyone into a service, especially a $68 million capital service from my perspective and my preferences that we’re all in together or all out, and if all out is the choice then I’m fine with that as well,” she said.

Planning now begins for a valley wide referendum this winter