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BV Pool and Recreation Centre celebrates 25 years

The Bulkley Valley Regional Pool and Recreation Centre is inviting the public to celebrate 25 years of operation on Wednesday, Dec. 23.
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Santa with young climbers at the Bulkley Valley Recreation Centre

The Bulkley Valley Regional Pool and Recreation Centre is celebrating 25 years of operation on Wednesday, Dec. 23.

The Bulkley Valley Swimming Pool Association (BVSPA) was formed under the Societies Act in October of 1969, and for nearly a decade a group of hard-working people made it their goal to acquire a pool for the Bulkley Valley.

A major fundraising effort occurred in 1987 when 10 community members and 20 businesses donated $1,000 each towards the cause. The BVSPA and swimming pool committee members then worked with the Town of Smithers and the regional district to secure a site, grants, and an operational tax subsidy. The doors were opened on Dec. 23, 1990 as a user-pay pool.

In 2005, there was a referendum passed to increase the tax rate and expand the boundaries of Rural Area A to ensure the longevity of the BV Regional Pool and Recreation Centre.

Tax monies are collected from the Town of Smithers, the Village of Telkwa and Rural Regional District A to assist with the day-to-day operational costs and capital replacement at the pool.

The BV Pool and Recreation Centre is unique in B.C., as the building is owned by the Regional District of Bulkley Valley-Nechako and operationally, it is a not-for-profit organization. It is run by the BV Aquatic Centre Management Society, which is overseen by a volunteer board of directors.

Over the years, the facility has evolved with the additions of the courts and climbing wall in 2001, as well as the installation of a permanent hot tub in 2006.

We are proud to be an important community hub.

We invite all donors, past committee members, board members, staff and patrons to come join us in a celebration.

On Dec. 23, we will have a celebratory Aquafit class, $2 admission, cake at 1:30 p.m., and the opportunity to try out the climbing wall. We will also be offering a one-day, 10-pass, reduced-rate sale.

 

Submitted by Tamara Gillis

Facility Manager

Bulkley Valley Regional Pool & Recreation Center