The Active Living Centre (ALC) is entering the final stages of construction, bringing Vernon’s new vibrant hub for health, wellness and community life another step closer to opening in late 2026.
On Tuesday, September 8, Council will receive an update on the project as the aquatic facility prepares to move into commissioning and systems testing.
A major step toward opening
The next phase will include filling the ALC pools so the aquatic mechanical, filtration and air handling systems can be tested and commissioned.
As part of the project's critical path, aquatic systems testing must be completed to ensure that the facility's systems are operating safely and efficiently. This work is also essential before inspection and approval by Interior Health, a key requirement for obtaining an operating permit, opening the facility, and welcoming the public.
The City has carefully planned this phase of work in coordination with the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), which has authorized the City to proceed with filling the pools. Pool filling is scheduled to begin the week of September 14, aligning this work with the conclusion of the agricultural irrigation season as irrigation demand decreases across the region.
Conservation by the numbers
The City has been actively reducing municipal water use throughout the summer. During Stage 3 restrictions, the City prioritized water for essential public spaces and suspended non-essential uses, resulting in a 60 per cent reduction in overall municipal water use and approximately 55 megalitres of water saved.
At the same time, the City has continued to expand the use of reclaimed water. In July, Vernon partnered with the RDNO to temporarily connect the City’s reclaimed water system to the RDNO’s non-potable irrigation network serving the Bella Vista and West Swan Lake areas. The initiative expanded access to reclaimed water for approximately 100 agricultural customers during ongoing drought conditions.
In August alone, Vernon supplied 77 megalitres of reclaimed water to supplement the RDNO’s non-potable irrigation system. That is more than 20 times the approximately 3.8 megalitres of water required to fill the ALC aquatic facilities.
Follow along as the ALC takes another step toward opening
Residents are encouraged to tune in to the September 8 Council meeting to learn more about this milestone and follow the ALC as it moves through the final stages of construction and commissioning.
The meeting will be livestreamed and available online following the meeting. For more information, visit the City’s Council Meetings page or vernon.ca/alc.