A lot has happened at the site of the future Lets'emot Regional Recreational and Aquatic Centre (LRRAC) since its ground-breaking last June.
District of Kent director of financial services Mike Veenbaas said much of the in-ground work has been complete on the new facility, including utility piping, electrical conduits and mechanical works for the future pool. Construction crews have begun pouring concrete for foundations and forming the pool. Masonry walls are also being erected in the area.
The current Community Recreation and Cultural Centre now has a temporary entrance in place until the new LRRAC is ready.
The construction and consultation team is working on some of the finer details in steel and windows. In an effort to combat potential import tariff-related costs, they are looking to secure materials ahead of when they need them in the construction schedule.
"Managing the project budget is a top priority," Veenbaas told The Observer.
The future pool facility will measure 27,000 square feet and be directly attached to the current CRCC. It will hold an eight-lane lap pool, a leisure pool, a lazy river and other amenities. The new facility will ultimately take the place of the Ferny Coombe Outdoor Pool, which has served as the community's pool for nearly 50 years, outliving its expected life cycle by a number of years.
District of Kent residents will see a 6.95 per cent property tax increase this year; just over 3 per cent of this increase will go toward the construction and future operations of the LRRAC. it's estimated that $280,000 of the expected $607,000 in property taxes to be collected will go toward the LRRAC this year.
Fundraising efforts on multiple fronts brought in an approximate total of $24.5 million toward the LRRAC. Through grassroots efforts, the community has raised about $500,000 toward the total, thanks to several fundraising events such as a 26-kilometre walkathon, a boat raffle and a local golf tournament. The district's ultimate goal is to raise $1 million through community efforts.
The B.C. government provided the lion's share of the funding with a $9.5 million investment; the federal government chipped in about $400,000 toward the cause. The municipal government will be pulling $3.3 million from reserves. Grants from the Community Works Fund and the Growing Communities Fund make up another $5.8 million.
Donations continue to be accepted toward the construction of the facility. To donate, visit kentbc.ca/fill_the_pool. Donations of $25 or over are eligible for a tax receipt.
