Lakeview Wading Pool concept design. (Image credit: City of Vernon)

By Pete McIntyre

mayor comments on overrun

Extra $1M added to Vernon pool project

Mar 13, 2023 | 4:30 PM

The City of Vernon says several factors have led to the cost for a recreation project going well over budget.

City council has decided to increase funding for the Lakeview Wading Pool revitalization by just over $1 million ($1,034,640), bringing the total price tag to $4.4 million ($4,435,825).

“The increase in funding is the result of multiple factors, including the recent tender for the project’s mechanical, washroom and storage building, which came in at $1,362,142; approximately $600,000 over the estimated cost,” a city news release stated

The funding also covers costs that were incurred for additional excavation due to the clay content of the soil in that area of East Hill; increased costs associated with the concrete work throughout the winter; and the extended construction timeline.

The additional funding also replenishes the project’s 5 per cent construction contingency.

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“It is always regrettable when we see escalated costs that require a project budget to be increased. Until this most recent tender, the project team had been able to keep the project close to budget,” Mayor Victor Cumming said.

“When council reviewed the additional funding request, we determined we did not want to see the project scaled back. This is a vitally important facility for families in our community and it has been well-used every summer since 1958. Therefore, council decided to provide the funds necessary to deliver what was presented to the community as part of the revitalization project,” the mayor added.

Although the project budget has increased, the city said there will be no additional impact to taxpayers, as the funds will come from three already established sources: the city’s infrastructure reserve ($301,000) and the recreation major maintenance and operational reserves ($733,640).

Nearly $1.9 million of the project is being funded by a combined federal-provincial grant.

The Lakeview pool project includes: replacement of the pool basin; a new mechanical, washroom and storage building; and enhancements to the park with the addition of a small spray park.

“The project is intended to increase accessibility for users and make the space more inviting and sustainable for future use by the Greater Vernon community,” the city release said.

Construction of the mechanical, washroom and storage building is expected to be substantially completed by the end of August 2023.

After that, pool equipment will have to be commissioned and the appropriate health permits will need to be approved.

The public’s first use of the facility on 18th Avenue is expected to be in 2024.