1947 replies to this topic

[spanky123]

Where is all the spectator seating for the next world class swimming event? 

 

Right. Olympic and World swimming events were the justification for 10 lanes right? No spectators at those events?

[Jacques Cadé]

There isn't a design in the world that would get me to support $60 million+ in additional debt at this time.

The City would only need approval to borrow, say, $10 million, to trigger the federal and provincial funds, and cover the rest of the estimated costs. The program the City's pursuing would have the feds cover 40% of the project and the province 33%. How would you feel about that?

Edited by Jacques Cadé, 18 June 2018 - 03:25 PM.

[Mike K.]

$10 million is coming from the local taxpayer as part of the City's contingency fund, $6 million from the federal gas tax. If the City's referendum asked for another $10 million from the CoV taxpayer, that would leave $44 million for provincial and federal funding.

[Nparker]

The City would only need approval to borrow, say, $10 million, to trigger the federal and provincial funds, and cover the rest of the estimated costs. The program the City's pursuing would have the feds cover 40% of the project and the province 33%. How would you feel about that?

I would still vote no. The JSB fiasco is still far too fresh in my mind. Ask me again in 10 years; maybe then I will feel different.

Edited by Nparker, 18 June 2018 - 03:31 PM.

[spanky123]

$10 million is coming from the local taxpayer as part of the City's contingency fund, $6 million from the federal gas tax. If the City's referendum asked for another $10 million from the CoV taxpayer, that would leave $44 million for provincial and federal funding.

 

That is why I was asking about the consolidation of the park reserve funds. That might free up another $4M if the fund could be used.

 

The gas tax money ($6M) is only available if we can finalize the remaining $50M+ by Feb of 2019 or get an extension. 

Edited by spanky123, 18 June 2018 - 03:34 PM.

[RFS]

I do think the City should really consider whether this is the best location for a new centre

[spanky123]

I do think the City should really consider whether this is the best location for a new centre

 

I think that the plan all along was to use central park and build low income housing, they were just giving us the news in stages to try and get buy in. I don't think that there are too many other spaces in the core that would provide that large a footprint.

Edited by spanky123, 18 June 2018 - 03:36 PM.

[RFS]

I think that the plan all along was to use central park and build low income housing, they were just giving us the news in stages to try and get buy in. I don't think that there are too many other spaces in the core that would provide that large a footprint.

 

Wouldn't be more convenient on Douglas?  Douglas and Blanshard, maybe the old Canadian Tire lot, maybe where that burned out abandoned travelers inn is?

[Nparker]

...I don't think that there are too many other spaces in the core that would provide that large a footprint.

The RAP parking lot would be large enough for a recreational facility with housing built above and underground parking below.

All of the existing Crystal Pool area could then be turned into green space.

[RFS]

 

All of the existing Crystal Pool area could then be turned into green space.

I'd rather they sold it to fund the new pool

[Bingo]

I think that the plan all along was to use central park and build low income housing, they were just giving us the news in stages to try and get buy in.

I don't think that there are too many other spaces in the core that would provide that large a footprint.

 

The sports field at Blanshard and Hillside is large enough. see my previous post #906

[Nparker]

The sports field at Blanshard and Hillside is large enough.

Does the City or the school district own that property?

[Jacques Cadé]

Not the City, so probably the school district. Map of City-owned properties at https://bit.ly/2JXDyDA
 

I think that the plan all along was to use central park and build low income housing, they were just giving us the news in stages to try and get buy in. I don't think that there are too many other spaces in the core that would provide that large a footprint.

 

Last week Council voted to postpone discussion of putting housing atop a surface parking lot beside the pool, after neighbours around Central Park complained about the potential loss of green space. As Ben Isitt pointed out, the City owns several properties that are currently home to surface lots, and housing could be built on top of those, without losing park land.

[Nparker]

...As Ben Isitt pointed out, the City owns several properties that are currently home to surface lots, and housing could be built on top of those, without losing park land.

As loathe as I am to agree with Ben Isitt, the RAP site (see my map above) makes considerably more sense for housing than losing green space at Central Park. That being said, the mayor's motivation to add a social housing component to the Crystal Pool proposal was more than likely a way to manipulate the feds/province, the CoV voters or both to get support for her legacy project..

[lanforod]

Another issue with the rendering other than lack of seating (which I suppose could be behind the glass walls?) is the sheer lack of pool deck space. There needs to be a lot more of that for swim meets, and for people in general. Looks way too tight. Visit Commonwealth and see that even with the spacious deck space, it's pretty full, especially during meets.

[Jacques Cadé]

AFAIK, there's no seating in the new Crystal because they expect meets to be held at Saanich Commonwealth. The main reason for the 50m length is to satisfy the training demands of swim clubs and triathletes.

Anybody going to the open houses today? I'd love a report.

[spanky123]

AFAIK, there's no seating in the new Crystal because they expect meets to be held at Saanich Commonwealth. The main reason for the 50m length is to satisfy the training demands of swim clubs and triathletes.

Anybody going to the open houses today? I'd love a report.

 

You don't need 10 lanes for training.

[tedward]

Sorry, we need the parking at RAP to be expanded not removed completely.

[Nparker]

Sorry, we need the parking at RAP to be expanded not removed completely.

Parking for RAP could be expanded underground with housing above.

[Jacques Cadé]

The new design is online at http://www.victoria....nt-project.html

 

Main pool is still 50m (8 lanes) but with a movable floor and two movable bulkheads. Now there are two hot tubs instead of one, and an "enlarged leisure pool with 25m lanes and a lazy river". The building is no longer the rectangular box in the early designs, but one that "opens up to the park on three sides to enhance the experience of swimming in the park." The building seems to be much larger than the one in earlier drawings with the $69M budget. Is the budget about to change now, too? 

 

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