Saugeen Shores council voted unanimously in favour of constructing a new Aquatic and Wellness Centre, part of a nearly $50 million upgrade to the town’s facilities approved at a special meeting last night.
The Aquatic Centre will be located on the property of the existing Municipal Hall and Plex Arena and will feature an eight-lane, 25-metre pool; leisure/therapeutic pool; viewing area; walking track; wellness centre and more. The centre will replace the Centennial Pool, which the municipality says is nearing the end of its life cycle.
The project will also include a renovation to the town’s municipal office and council chambers.
The municipality says tax rates shouldn’t be impacted, as the $49,948,500 cost will be covered through operating revenue, development charges and payments through the Town’s Legacy Fund, including $6 million that will be contributed to the project right away.
According to their financial plan, the centre’s operating revenue will recover the project’s start-up costs by 2030. As well, the town’s by-law allows 50% of the project’s funding to come from DCs. They’re also exploring several federal and provincial grants to help pay for the project.
Saugeen Shores has already issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the construction with staff planning to recommend a successful bidder to council in January.
Construction is set to begin in the summer of 2023, with a planned completion date of early 2025.