Will Victoria get a new Crystal Pool? If so, where will it go? That’s for voters to decide.
On Thursday, June 13th, the Victoria city council directed staff to initiate a referendum process after hearing a lengthy report regarding three possible locations and the pros and cons associated with each site.
Now, that referendum has been greenlit and will be taking place sometime in early 2025.
City council narrowed down the options to two locations, both in Victoria’s Central Park, either in the northern section or the southern section.
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If built on the north site, the current pool will have to be demolished before construction can begin, but the new pool would be finished slightly sooner and would be slightly less expensive at $162.2 million.
This equates to around an additional $232 annually in property taxes over 20 years.
If built on the south site, the current pool would be able to operate for longer, however the cost of the new pool would be a bit higher at $168.9 million.
This equates to around an additional $240 annually in property taxes over 20 years.
Additionally, the south site pool parking lot would not be able to be finished until 18 months after the new facility would open, putting pressure on surrounding neighbourhoods’ parking situations.
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Both site options feature a design for the new Crystal Pool and Wellness Centre that would be high-quality, climate resilient and universally accessible, according to the City.
Regardless of the site, features of the new pool area will include a 50 metre pool, leisure pool with 25 metre warm-up lanes, a shallow area, play features, a lazy river, two hot pools at different temperatures, a sauna and steam room as well as seating and viewing areas.
Other recreational features would be a large fitness studio, multi-purpose rooms, community gathering spaces, a universal washroom and change room options, an expanded parking including accessible and EV charging options and short- and long-term bike parking.
So, in early 2025, all Victorians will have the chance to vote on this referendum. Specifically, they will be asked if they want the city to borrow the money to build it, which would increase property taxes, and which site they would prefer it to be built.
