Artistic rendering. Credit: Vernonalc.ca
VERNON – The first progress update on the construction of the Active Living Centre was provided at the recent council meeting.
The Active Living Centre (ALC) project is being delivered under the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) method, ensuring that the project does not exceed the maximum allowable cost of $135,941,009 and with the goal of completion by the fall of 2026.
ALC Manager, Doug Ross, provided details on what has been accomplished so far, what’s currently happening, and what’s planned for the next quarter.
To date, construction is proceeding on schedule and within the approved budget.
Design work has focused on the essentials needed for early construction, including site utilities and pool foundations.
Since construction began in April, significant progress has been made on the site. A new underground storm main has been installed, bulk excavation for the basement is complete, and 80% of the foundational supports, called helical piles, have been installed. Basement waterproofing is 60% finished, and work has begun on installing the reinforcing steel for the basement slab.
Two permits have been submitted to Interior Health. The first covers the leisure pool, aquatics features, and pool systems. The second includes the 50m pool, sauna, steam room, adult hot tub, cold plunge pool, and changerooms. These permits are required to start constructing the leisure, 25m, and 50m pools.
Currently, the project team is now working on the detailed design of the building’s envelope and internal systems like mechanical, plumbing, and electrical. Construction activities include continuing excavation for the 50m pool and preparing for the first large concrete slab pour in the basement. Once the permits are approved, work will start on the pool piping, with concrete foundations around the 25m pool to follow.
In the coming months, the team will finalize the design of the building’s envelope, the internal systems and finishes. Work will begin on landscaping plans and the structural design for key areas like the gymnasium, fitness centre, and public spaces will also be completed.
Major construction milestones in the next quarter include finishing the concrete foundations for the 50m pool by October and beginning the installation of the steel structure for the natatorium, where the pools are located, by mid-November. Completion of the natatorium steel structure is scheduled for the end of the year.
Construction updates can be seen here: vernonalc.ca, including a live construction camera.
Business Examiner Staff