More than 80% of Kelowna residents surveyed are supportive of the redevelopment of the Parkinson Rec Centre, according to a report by city staff.
In an update to Kelowna City Council, city staff explain that 79% of the residents who took part in public engagement surveys also support a property tax increase to fund the future facility.
City staff say they gathered these results through a "statistically valid telephone survey" last September.
The survey also found that 19% of residents surveyed opposed a tax increase and only 15% opposed replacing the existing facility.
“Engagement with stakeholders and the public from 2015 to 2022 confirms the community values, social connection, and recreation use, both casual and organized, and strongly supports the development of (Kelowna Community Campus),” states the report.
The planning process for this massive redevelopment project has been ongoing for a few years now and has been identified in the 10 year capital plan for over a decade.
City staff add that more investment into recreation facilities will be needed to serve Kelowna's growing population.
Parkinson Rec Centre is 50 years old, over capacity and in too poor of condition to support Kelowna’s existing community and the 45,000 people that are anticipated to move here in the next 20 years, add staff.
After the most recent public engagement process, the next steps will include:
More tours of recreation facilities in the Lower Mainland, followed by a review
Confirmation of the project scope and updated functional program
These are expected to happen in early 2023.
After this, council will begin working through the budget and the process to borrow funds.
Then the matter will be sent to the public for a vote, which, if approved, will make way for a loan authorization.
According to the city’s 10 year capital plan, the replacement of Parkinson Rec is estimated to cost $134 million. The 48 acre site, next to the Apple Bowl, will be home to the future facility.
Kelowna City Council will review this matter during the morning meeting scheduled for Monday at 9 am.
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