City council expected to vote on new aquatic centre

Regina city council is expected to discuss whether to move forward on plans to build a new aquatic centre and geothermal heating facility at Wednesday afternoon’s council meeting.

Mayor Sandra Masters had previously said the city doesn’t have the financial means to fund the project on its own and is planning to apply for federal funding before the March 14 deadline.

The city is expected to ask for $128 million in funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, with $108 million earmarked for the new pool and the remaining $20 million going toward the heating facility.

According to the catalyst committee’s report, the new aquatic centre would cost an estimated $172.7 million, which is higher than the $160.7 million listed in the agenda for Wednesday’s meeting.

The geothermal heating facility is expected to cost $28.5 million.

Therefore, ways to finance the remaining $73 million are expected to be discussed at the meeting as well.