Progress made constructing the new Active Living Centre as of April 29. (Image Credit: City of Vernon)

By Liam Verster

Rec Facility Construction

ALC construction progressing on budget, though could face slight opening delay

Apr 29, 2026 | 3:29 PM

Construction of Vernon’s new recreation centre has been making progress, though there has been a slight hiccup.

An update on the construction of the Active Living Centre (ALC) stated there was an issue that could cause a slight delay in opening the new facility.

“During the first quarter of this year, additional sanding and re-staining of the glulam beams was required, necessitating keeping the scaffolding and plywood working platform in place over the 50m pool for an additional four weeks,” the report stated.

“This has delayed the static water testing of the 50m pool tank and the start of tiling in that area. The project team will continue to look for and find efficiencies to mitigate any further delays and keep the project on target for the fall of 2026.”

Though potentially pushing the opening date back, the ALC could still be operational by the fall, which the was the city’s original goal.

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The construction update also stated that the design team was on target to deliver the project on budget, and Mayor Victor Cumming confirmed with Vernon Matters that any savings identified in the work would be put toward repaying the loan.

Work done in the first three months of 2026 included storm sewer installation; continued hauling of the dirt stockpile and beginning to grade the site; installation of exterior glazing and metal siding; tying piping into the filtration and chemical treatment equipment; installing wall and ceiling finishes along with mechanical and electrical distribution through the pool areas; interior mechanical and electrical rough ins; installation and tie-ins of the mechanical room equipment; framing and masonry in the change rooms and lobby; drywall installation in the fitness area, running track and change rooms; and floor and wall tile installation in the change rooms.

Work scheduled for the second quarter of the year included removing scaffolding and plywood platforms in the pools areas; static water test in the 50 metre pool tank; installation of leisure and 50 metre pool tank tiles; mechanical room tie-ins, drywall installation; flooring installation in the gym and the rooms of the first and second levels; installation of millwork, washroom accessories and door hardware; parking lot storm installation, grading and preparation for asphalt; and sidewalk prep around the building.

The project team had also worked with the Okanagan Indian Band to include nxyilxcen language and educational signage around the ALC, and the OKIB was expected to come forward with a nsylxcen name for the facility in the near future. The team also said it was incorporating syilx culture into the facility, which included the installation of a multi-colour glass salmon that would shine on a blank wall.

Staff provided Vernon City Council with a video showing the progress made on building the ALC and the concept for the salmon piece.

Video showing the progress made in constructing the Active Living Centre (City of Vernon)

Procurement of the facility’s furniture, fixtures and equipment was also underway as of time of publication, with staff noting previous savings would be used to purchase additional furniture and equipment.

Work was also ongoing to find tenants to fill the commercial spaces within the ALC.

by Liam Verster

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