• Option One would cost $5.3 million to construct. With approximately $200,000 in additional operating funds, the average increase in taxation would be approximately $130 per year on a home valued at $100,000.
   
• Option Two would cost $6.7 million to construct. With approximately $200,000 in additional operating funds, the average increase in taxation would be approximately $150 per year on a home valued at $100,000.
   
• Option Three would cost $7.9 million to construct. With approximately $200,000 in additional operating funds, the average increase in taxation would be approximately $170 per year on a home valued at $100,000.

As indicated below, the second option received the greatest support from those in attendance.
 

It should also be noted that Open House participants were advised that the Project Steering Committee is currently investigating a number of alternate sources of funding in an effort to reduce the financial impact on local taxpayers. In addition, a meeting will be held with Revelstoke businesses in the new year, in order to explain the financial impact of local business.
 

Option One

• Keep the costs as reasonable as possible.
   
• Great work so far. Some concerns about traffic congestion for Options Two and Three.
   
• Access to the ball fields is an important consideration. Sixth will be a very busy street.
   
• While preferred, it shouldn't be necessary to look across the parking lot.
   
• If there is a need to reduce costs, "extras" like the weight room, food service area, steam room and water slide could be eliminated.
   
• I am tired of driving to Salmon Arm to swim.
   
• A pool would be great for tourists and residents. We've been waiting for a long time for this.
   
• This option best utilizes existing change room space, but doesn't take advantage of the view.
   
• I appreciate the effort being put into the project. This is a much needed facility and I hope the community gets behind it 100%.
   
• How expensive will it be to use the facility?
   
• Please hurry and build it.
  

Option Two

• Make the lane pool deep. Don't include an island in the middle,
   
• Is another route to and from the ball fields possible? A restaurant is not necessary.  What will the annual maintenance costs be?
   
• Make it a tourist attraction to help offset costs.
   
• If we do it, let's do it right.
   
• Those with a disability should be charged a special rate to use the pool.
   
• Approach the Credit Union for financing.
   
• The architecture should be in an alpine style with natural wood.
    
• I wouldn't want a fitness area because there are already two in town.
   
• Can't wait to go swimming.
   
• Revelstoke would be the perfect place to raise a family if we had an indoor pool.
   
• Hot tub should be for 40 people. Facilities should be universally accessible. Get input from library staff. Study parking and access in greater detail.
   
• It's a necessity for this community!
   
• Please consider a 3 meter diving board.
   
• So far the plans look excellent. It would be very important to provide a fitness and health centre in the facility.
   
• Anxious about water treatment.
   
• Pool has to be beside the community centre for administrative reasons. Existing facilities are in need of urgent repair.
   
• Design the facility so it can be expanded in the future to accommodate things like a climbing wall, gymnastics, etc. Consider contracting out food services, 
• Don't let cost alone dictate the end product.
   
• Concerned about the development of parking near the seniors entrance.
   
• Facility should have 8 lanes.
    

Option Three

• We have begged and pleaded long enough. Build it!
   
• The sooner we have the pool the better.
   
• It would be false economy to go with option but #3. With our winters, this facility could be a focal point for the community. For an extra $40 per year we can ensure the facility has staying power. Bottom line — when you know what you want, go for the best you can afford.
   
• Keep up the good work. Hopefully, it will be a GO this time.
   
• Our family is all for the pool complex. The sooner the better.
   
• Like many families, we go to Salmon Arm to swim - $170 is less than we currently spend.
   
• Thanks to the pool committee for all your work so far.
   
• Teens should have a vote when it comes to the referendum.
   
• A long overdue project. Go for quality - the extra cost will soon be forgotten when the results meet and exceed expectations.

None of the Above

• What about heating costs? Electricity? Gas?
   
• This would be wonderful, but common sense suggests that a population of 8,000 people, with no drawing area, cannot support a major facility.
   
• Can we really afford it? Has everyone been surveyed - not just those who will use the facility? Weren't the citizens of Revelstoke against inhaling chlorine? Spend money upgrading what we have.

No Response

• Three million dollars would be plenty for this facility. Beyond that, there would have to be plenty of questions answered.
   
• The proposals look excellent.
   
• Condensation will prevent outside viewing. Large glass walls and pools do not mix.  With condensation will come mold and mildew and health problems.

It is the consultants' opinion that local residents will be far more inclined to support a tax increase that is close to $100 per year range than one that is in the area of $150. It is suggested, therefore, that in addition to appropriate acoustics, change room facilities for families and individuals with a disability, natural lighting and viewing, that the focus be on the provision of the first six (or seven) of the features referred to in Question #1 of the Open House Survey.

There are several important questions, however, that should be addressed in the near future: 

1. Is there a possibility that capital grants may be available? 
    
2. Is it necessary that all site improvements, and roads in particular, be included within the pool budget? 
    
3. Has the topic of heating been further considered? 
    
4. Soft costs are currently estimated at 20% of the cost of construction. Is there any way that these costs could be reduced?

CITY OF REVELSTOKE SWIMMING POOL STUDY

Responses to a community survey held at the Revelstoke Community Centre on Thursday, October 11, 2001 regarding the proposed indoor aquatic centre. It is estimated that in excess of 100 local residents participated in the Open House, 73 of whom took the time to respond to the questionnaire.

Question #1: After reviewing the information included on the panels, how satisfied are you with the proposed aquatic facility?

Question #2: Do you have any comments or suggestions regarding the present design?

• Six lane pool will not generate any monies from swimming events nor will a one meter diving board- I suggest 8 lanes, and a 3 meter diving board to accommodate provincial or regional meets.
   
• Walking area is very important for the city. Seniors need some area because of the weather.
   
• Parking appears awkward with the access. Is this the only option?
   
• Not clear to me what's being done with the river bank. Parking, traffic flow, congestion and plowing of snow may still be issues.
   
• Pool site on present parking lot reduces parking lot space. Too many nooks and crannies behind the pool and existing recreation centre for snow removal
   
• It is obvious a tremendous amount of work has gone into the project.
   
• Would there be any way to incorporate a climbing wall into the design?
   
• It would be nice if the pool could be deep enough for diving purposes. Other than that, I think it's awesome, and my family is behind the pool project 100%! Cool indoor slide!
   
• Are there ways to reduce costs by simplifying the design? If so, those changes should be considered.
   
• The vertical louvres on the west side are ugly. What is wrong with a glass wall? Your exposure is straight west so sunlight should not be much of a problem. Let's have a wide open view.
   
• Patio for summer use will encourage year round activity. Instead of vending machines, allow for a nicer concept of a coffee break area for those supervising swimmers.
   
• Sauna would also be a great idea. If only steam room - be sure it is large enough for the amount of use that it may get. Especially in our long winter months.
   
• Seems great.
   
• Is an indoor rock climbing wall a future possibility?
   
• Just get it done.
   
• The design still doesn't include a cafeteria, which would help to deter the annual cost of running the centre.
   
• Think it meets community needs very well- Children are excited about the water slide.
   
• Looks awesome. Entry to pool limited. Building and parking need to be well lit.
  
• Accommodate energy system design with District energy. Is the cost of not upgrading our existing pool included as a consideration?
   
• Traffic flow in front.
   
• Glad we are making some progress- An indoor pool for this type of environment is long overdue. Good location (central), progressive design, not crazy about the $6 million price tag - what can we get for $4.5 million?
   
• I wonder about the advisability of having the waterslide over the pool. They always weep and leak! If it came to a pool or no pool, take out the slide.
   
• Well done.
   
• Great design.
   
• Make sure it is large enough.
   
• Looks great as it is.
    
• Beautiful design.
   
• Should add fitness.
   
• Looks great.
   
• Traffic flow to pool on 4th and Connaught and to the ball diamonds.
   
• Good job of incorporating a wide range of uses into one facility.
   
• I really like the waterslides, diving board and the windows - excellent design - an indoor / outdoor pool feeling at the same Lime. Where's the sauna?
   
• It's great you planned for a separate leisure pool and a slide. I'm sure the children of Revelstoke will love it.
   
• The design seems to have been well thought out and will be an excellent new drawing card for Revelstoke.
   
• So glad it is joined to the community centre.
   
• Through traffic and stabalization of the river bank. Any cooperation with other city projects such as the proposed energy development?
   
• This is the best design yet Great job!
   
• Bike racks. That way in the nicer times of the year, it will alleviate traffic in the area.  Centennial Pool should be made into a skate park.
   
• Merritt has a very good pool. It seems to be open 16 hours per day or longer. The city has done very well after it was put in. We need one badly.
   
• Color - heritage colors, landscaping off the deck areas.
   
• Looks great.
   
• Well though out; good use of existing building and space.
   
• Safety issue regarding the deep end. Make sure the depth is correct to accommodate diving.
   
• A long needed addition to community amenities. Will save a lot of driving over winter roads.
   
• Combine all the best features of Vernon and Salmon Arm, and improve on them.
   
• It is important for a community to have an activity centre like this ... it will draw people to Revelstoke.
   
• Perhaps the leisure pool could be a little smaller, enabling the addition of one or two lanes to the main pool. Landscape the river bank like in the model with steps down to the water.
   
• Nice design - good location.

Please Note: It appears that over 85% of those in attendance at the open house would be willing to pay at least $100 per year in additional residential taxation toward the construction and operation of a new aquatic facility.
 

• Thanks to the committee. Let's build it.
   
• Overdue.
   
• How long is it going to take to have it up and running?
   
• Is District energy included?
   
• I figure we probably pay more than that driving out of town to swim in the months our outdoor pool is not open. Plus, if we go out of town, we end up shopping there too! Build a swimming pool and you might keep more people in town, particularly in the cooler months.
   
• Hurry up - we're getting impatient!
   
• This project is far overdue!
   
• Can't wait for my first swim.
   
• Bike racks, membership information. Will there be a towel service? Somewhat concerned that the fitness area will lake money away from local businesses. Don't need another weight room.
   
• Towel service. What would membership fees likely be? No need for a weight room. It is great to give things to the community that the young people will benefit from. Tourists will use the pool too.
   
• We need a unified body to get behind this. The real question is not can we afford a pool, but can we afford not have a pool?
   
• Sounds cool! Incorporate a swim / gym into the facility.
   
• Pool is a necessity. Would like to see it happen.
   
• Is there room for bleachers for swimming events?
  
• You must think of generating monies lo offset operating costs, not just keeping building costs down.
   
• Just do it - it is very archaic to not have a pool.
   
• I would definitely vote yes in a referendum, but I'm not sure that we need such a large facility. The hot tub seems over-sized. From past experience at other pools, I find too many fountains obscure my view of my children, and cause too much noise. The waterslide looks great - always popular with all ages.
   
• How was the location chosen?
   
• Is there a revenue strategy? How much will operating costs be offset by revenue? What employment opporutunities will there be? A nice addition if we can afford it.
   
• I'm all for the aquatic centre - but don't waste money!
   
• Is there any indication how much the city will have to borrow? The least impact to the taxpayer the better. What's it going lo cost me?
   
• Let's get it done!
   
• I feel it is very needed in our community- We travel at leat 3 times a week to swim in Salmon Arm. Excellent alternative for evening activities for youth.
   
• Provide the opportunity for families / individuals to "purchase" a brick to build the pool- Recognize donors with a plaque, 
   
• We need this way more than subsidizing the ski hill. Like the multi-use design for maximum attendance. If the project goes ahead it will be nice to do it right and not scrimp on the design.
   
• Traffic flow through the area.
   
• Include lots of windows in the building.
   
• Let's pay off our other loans first. We are spending beyond our means.
   
• Streamline the snow removal. Remove planters and curbs for the winter.
   
• Give people some comparative cost estimates for re-building the existing pool before you go to referendum. I suspect over $2 million is required to replace what we have! Do you not have a capital replacement program?
   
• Long overdue - the longer we delay the higher the cost. It will never be cheap to build. 
   
• The design is new and this area needs upgrading. The proposed building is affordable! It's up to you to build. It is still quite costly. Taxes will go up. Get the adults involved in fundraising. Keep the outdoor pool open.
   
• Would like to see the pool built as soon as possible. Will contribute to an improved quality of life in Revelstoke.
   
• Get at it We've wailed a long lime.
   
• A great addition to the community!
   
• Make sure the deck is large enough.
   
• We need a pool, and the sooner the better.
   
• Have a referendum in the spring of 2002.
   
• I think it is very well done.
   
• Like the overall design, layout, all facilities included; well worth the $100 per year cost. Very much needed in our community. Nice to tie in with centre and library.
   
• Let's get it done.
   
• Traffic flow issues. Close off the streets?
   
• Give business owners a break as an incentive to garner their support; they'll be contributing more than the average person year after year.
   
• Let's get started.
   
• It is long overdue.
   
• Hydro and forestry companies should assist in paying for this project. What about the climbing wall option?