City of Regina sends $245 million aquatic centre plans back to administration
CTV
An increase to the City of Regina's debt limit is intended to allow for a new aquatic facility, which will replace the current Lawson Aquatic Centre.
The City of Regina's Executive Committee met on Wednesday to discuss increasing the city's debt limit from $660 million to $890 million.
This $230 million increase up for consideration is intended to allow more funds for several projects including the new aquatic facility, a geothermal heating facility and a central library renewal.
Raising the debt ceiling requires approval from the Saskatchewan Municipal Board, which councillors agreed to seek.
The proposed new aquatic facility intended to replace the existing Lawson Aquartic Centre is looking at a total cost of $245.1 million, which is an $84.4 million difference from the originally proposed $160.7 million.
"Because we're so far behind on the master rec plan...it was cheaper 20 years ago but it will never be cheaper than today. and so investing in it, knowing that we need it, knowing we're far behind cities of our size as it relates to aquatic centres, it's easier to do under one roof than to build two of them, build this one then need another one 10 years from now,” Regina Mayor Sandra masters said.
Delegations speaking on the topic were all in favour of this funding increase, citing the need for an aquatic facility capable of hosting national level competitions.
During Wednesday’s meeting, Marg Walton of Swim Saskatchewan Inc. expressed that the Lawson is not currently up to standard for these types of events.
