Victoria council has given unanimous backing to a bylaw authorizing the borrowing of up to $168.9 million to replace the Crystal Pool.
The bylaw had its first three readings Thursday, and will now go to the province for approval.
If that approval is given, the city can proceed to a referendum on the borrowing.
As part of the process, the bylaw will not come back to council until after the referendum is held — which could be as early as the first quarter of 2025.
Coun. Marg Gardiner said it’s important for the public to know that the latest action by council “is just a necessary step” prior to the referendum.
She said she supports the process moving forward “because it’s all about the public.”
“It’s letting the public decide.”
Last month, council agreed to hold a referendum on whether the city should borrow nearly $169 million to replace the 53-year-old pool and fitness centre.
City residents will also be asked to choose between two replacement options: building on the existing site — the Central Park North option — or building on an adjacent site, such as the playground — Central Park South — in hopes of keeping the pool open during the construction period if it’s deemed safe.
If voters choose the Central Park South option, at a cost of about $215.9 million, staff would install temporary park amenities, including basketball courts, in the neighbourhood during construction.
If residents choose Central Park North as the site, with an estimated price tag of $209.2 million, the city will close the existing Crystal Pool when construction starts.
A new pool facility is expected to take five years to build.
