Proposed pool costs balloon

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Renovating Echo Pool would cost a fraction of a new aquatic centre, but City Council remains focussed on a new facility.

According to a report by Venture Pacific Construction Management, renovating the existing Echo Pool facility to become an aquatic centre would cost between $12 and $18 million.

Regional District directors will be told tomorrow how estimated costs for a new aquatic centre have now grown to $100 million for a proposed construction start in 2027.

Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions said the city remains aligned with the ACRD in their push for a new pool at this point.

“There was a request from council to further explore the option of renovating the current echo aquatic center, and I think the report just showed that that work has been previously looked at and of course the ACRD has determined that the best path forward right now is to look at a new build and the city as a part of the ACRD is is pursuing that path forward jointly,” she said.

Alberni Valley residents will vote in a referendum before the project can be approved.