The City of Victoria has officially set the date for a referendum on the future of Crystal Pool.
On February 8th, 2025, voters will be asked whether the city should borrow up to $168.9 million to build a new facility to replace the aging pool.
This referendum is a crucial step in determining the fate of the much-loved but aging Crystal Pool, a facility that has been serving the community for over 50 years.
In addition to the question of financing the project, voters will also be asked to express their preferences between two potential locations for the new pool, ensuring that the decision reflects the community’s needs.
Advanced voting will be available at Crystal Garden, located at 713 Douglas Street, on the following dates:
- January 29th
- February 3rd
- February 5th
On February 8th, the official voting day, 10 locations across the city will be open to residents:
- Crystal Garden – 713 Douglas Street
- Central Middle School – 1280 Fort Street
- George Jay Elementary School – 1118 Princess Avenue
- Glenlyon Norfolk (Middle & Senior) School – 781 Richmond Avenue
- James Bay Community School – 140 Oswego Street
- Margaret Jenkins Elementary School – 1824 Fairfield Road
- Oaklands Elementary School – 2827 Belmont Avenue
- Quadra Elementary School – 3031 Quadra Street
- Sir James Douglas Elementary School – 401 Moss Street
- Victoria West Elementary School – 750 Front Street
All polling locations will be fully wheelchair accessible, with an accessible voting machine available at Crystal Garden.
Related:
- Victoria council instructs staff to explore new sites for Crystal Pool
- Jeremy Caradonna: Let the people vote: referendum is needed on the Crystal Pool dilemma
- Victoria invites design proposals for new $69.4-million Crystal Pool
Additional support will be available for those who require assistance.
Residents who are unable to vote in person can also participate by mail. Ballot requests can be made starting January 6th, either by completing an online form, calling 250-361-0571, or in person at City Hall.
Mail-in ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on February 8th to be counted. If mail delivery is unavailable, mail-in packages must be picked up at City Hall by 4 p.m. on January 31st.
To cast a vote in this referendum, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be 18 years or older on general voting day (February 8th, 2025)
- Be a Canadian citizen
- Be a resident of British Columbia for at least six months prior to the referendum
With the referendum date set, Victorians will soon have the chance to weigh in on the future of a community facility and decide whether to invest in a new, modern facility to serve future generations.
The question remains: will voters support the $168.9 million investment for a new Crystal Pool? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
