Image: District of Kent / The Ferny Coombe Pool (pictured) in Agassiz was first built in 1978, but the District of Kent says that its original pool structure has outlived its initial life expectancy and fears that any significant structural or mechanical failure will be beyond repair. As a result, it's been planning a $21 million regional aquatic centre as a replacement.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

District of Kent

District of Kent hopes to one day replace Ferny Coombe Pool with $21 million regional aquatic centre

Jan 21, 2023 | 9:06 AM

AGASSIZ — The District of Kent has been eyeing a new regional aquatic centre for some time now, but the municipality still needs an additional $11 million in funding based on the assumption that it receives a maximum federal grant of $10 million.

The town’s beloved Ferny Coombe Outdoor Pool, located at 6820 Pioneer Avenue, was built in 1978 and has remained a vital community asset in the District of Kent. It is also home to the Agassiz-Harrison Aquanauts competitive swim club.

Over the years, the pool has taught thousands of children swimming skills and sportsmanship through the Learn to Swim program offered through the District of Kent. It serves as the nearest pool for residents of Agassiz, nearby First Nations communities, the Village of Harrison Hot Springs, and even residents of Popkum and Rosedale, due to its relative proximity.

However, the Ferny Coombe Pool has outlived its initial life expectancy, according to the District of Kent website.

“We anticipate that any significant structural or mechanical failure will be beyond repair,” the District of Kent wrote on its website. “Without a swimming pool in Agassiz, it would certainly affect all of our communities.”

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The new aquatic centre would be a 27,000-square foot facility, connected to the Community Recreation & Cultural Centre, and feature such indoor amenities as an eight-lane lap pool, leisure pool, whirlpool, steam and sauna, spectator viewing area, activity space, community room, lifeguard station, and universal and gender-specific change rooms, according to the District of Kent website.

Image: District of Kent / A rendering of the proposed regional aquatic centre in Agassiz, which features an eight-lane lap pool, whirlpool, leisure pool, and steam and sauna room.

The District says an indoor regional aquatic centre would host more local programs and reduce the need for travel to large municipalities; enable all residents to participate equally and equitably; promote water safety as an essential lifelong skill and a necessity given the city’s close proximity to the Fraser River and Harrison Lake; and enrich the community’s spirit and region’s overall health, well-being and volunteerism through amateur sport.

The total project cost is an estimated $21 million in today’s dollars.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

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District of Kent hopes to one day replace Ferny Coombe Pool with $21 million regional aquatic centre

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