White Rock defers public pool priority decision to next council

White Rock council has unanimously deferred consideration of a public swimming pool as a strategic priority until the next council term.

Council made the decision July 27 after receiving a needs assessment and feasibility study from Cornerstone Planning Group. Recreation and culture director John Woolgar said the issue has become more urgent since the City of Surrey began giving Surrey residents priority access to recreation registration on Jan. 1, 2025.

White Rock residents can wait up to three weeks longer to register for programs, Woolgar said. He said that can significantly restrict access to high-demand swimming programs and water-safety training for the city's 1,800 children.

The study identified demand for local aquatic facilities, with most residents travelling to South Surrey facilities. It recommends a basic service level of about 104,000 swims annually, taking into account an aging population and the need for flexible recreation options.

Three outdoor options were presented. A covered facility with leisure, lap and hot pools was estimated at $24.2 million; a standard leisure and lap pool at $20.9 million; and a lap-pool-only option at $9.7 million. The study cautioned the least expensive option would have a short operating season and limited capacity.