2. “AQUATIC CENTRE OPENING, January 10, 1990

By ED MILLS
Staff Writer

The opening of the Castlegar and District Aquatic Centre
last week closes the story of a dream for a complete
recreational facility for Castlegar.

It was a dream of local politicians and citizens, begun
some 30 years ago and nurtured through conflict and con-
troversy, politics and acrimony, until it was realized.

A part of the dream came true in 1975 when, after a num-
ber of years of setbacks at the voting booth and financially,
construction began on the Community Complex, as the
recreational centre is commonly called.

Fourteen years, and another round of community soul-
searching later, the Aquatic Centre represents another step
towards the goal many have worked behind the scenes and on
the front lines to achieve.

Since the original facility was completed in 1975, calls for
construction to begin on an aquatic centre have waxed and
waned over the years. It wasn’t until 1988 that concerted
pressure was exerted by various groups who made the pool
their top priority.

The following synopsis traces the history of that period
when the push for the pool began in earnest. It is the result of
that effort which is now there for the residents of Castlegar and
area to enjoy and be proud.

1988

APRIL

The Castlegar and District Projects Society makes a $2.4-
million aquatic centre the sole focus of the organization.

“Every nickel that comes in to the Projects Society goes to
the Aquatic Centre Fund,”’ society president Ron Ross said.

MAY

The need for a new facility becomes apparent when the
city has to spend $3,700 on ‘‘major improvements’’ to Bob
Brandson pool.

* © «

The Castlegar and District Projects Society asks the
Regional District of Central Kootenay for approval to stage a
referendum on the new facility.

JUNE

City council gives its approval on the referendum and sets
the stage for the vote to go ahead in October. The referendum
still needs approval from Areas I and J.

ig
ceremony Dec. 6, 1988,
construction of the new Aquatic Centre.

~. Opening completes dream

Bricklayers Frank-Hugll (right) and his son Shane place bricks inscribed with the names of

Individuals, companies and community organizations who

it the bricks as part of

the Castlegar and District Projects Society’s “Buy-a-Brick” fundraising campaign for the new

Aquatic Centre.

Thé Aquatic Centre hits it8 first roadblock as Area I dir-
ector John Voykin says he won’t endorse the referendum until
heis fully briefed on the facility.

“1am not sold on the project yet,”” he says.

Voykin later approves the plan.

JULY

A tentative date of Oct. 15 is set for the referendum which
will actually be three separate votes for each of Castlegar, Area
Tand Area J.

. 28 6

The Projects Society schedules a meeting with design con-

‘sul =

. . .

The projects Society settles on a price tag of $2.2 million
to be presented to the public.in the referendum.
.
Mayor Audrey Moore’s personal donation of $200 kicks
off the Aquatic Centre fundraising campaign.
oe 6

Itis revealed that the new facility will cost homeowners 69
cents per week to operate and maintain.

GUST

City council and Selkirk College throw their support

behind the project.
It’s something we've all talked about, and I personally
would like to see it be successful,’’ says Mayor"Audrey Moore.
SEPTEMBER £

Mayor AudureyMoore and several aldermen meet with
Provincial Secretary Bill Reid, Regional Development
Minister Elwood Veitch and Minister of State for Kootenay
Howard Dirks to, discuss the city’s request for $750,000 in
provincial funds for the centre.

“I came away from that meeting with 4 very good feeling,
a very positive feeling that we should get some dollars,’’ says
Ald. Lawrence Chernoff.

¢ \ OCTOBER
The Abilities Awareness Advisory Committee endor-
ses the pool.
| ? . .
Attendance at, public meetings to discuss the project is
low.
‘The turnout isn’t great but we're happy with the
questions,” says recreation director Pat Metge.
. 8 8 ty <
The Castlegar News endorses the pool in an editorial. Let-
ters in favor of the project arrive steadily at the paper.
. © @

Projects; Society—president Ron Ross says he is

“‘cautiously optimisti s the referendum datenears.
°

The referendum passes with a 78 per cent of the votes in
favor of the pool.

The Projects Society celebrates. More than 2,800 voters
turn out to cast their vote. In Castlegar, 1,435 of the 1,752 who
voted approve the pool. “47

v—+—

Tenders on the project are slated to be held early in the
new year.

NOVEMBER

The city agrees to pay $3,500 for site preparation.

Mayor Audrey Moore says council shouldn't be ‘‘coun-
ting nickels and dimes”’ in view of the fact that the outlying
areas are helping finance the centre.

DECEMBER

The provincial government gives the Projects Society a
$700,000 grant from GO B.C. funds derived from provincial
lotteries.

“This fi 'y has a strong, proven element-of local sup-
port and commitment from volunteers and it will enrich the life

continued on page D6

AQUATIC CENTRE OPENING, Jonuory 10,1990 C3

Congratulations

AQUATIC CENTRE A REALITY

You all did a fine job, and Safeway and
it's employees are proud f6 be a part of
such a progressive, growing community

We Were Proud
To have given strong

We bnng tt all together

Centre Brick Certificate
Progfam, and are
pleased it was so

successful

(S