Major funds have been approved for a new outdoor pool in Enderby.
At the Regional District of North Okanagan's (RDNO) board of directors meeting Wednesday, Dec. 18, the electoral area directors unanimously passed a motion to approve $587,399 in funding for the Enderby outdoor pool project, as was recommended by the Electoral Area Advisory Committee.
The funds will come from the Community Works Fund from Electoral Area F.
"We're really excited about getting the outdoor pool built," said director and vice chair Alyssa Hopkins, who provides over Area F (rural Enderby).
The pool is expected to open for the start of the pool season May 19, 2026, and Hopkins said construction is ahead of schedule with digging already started (it was planned to start in January).
The project's total cost is currently $9 million, according to a report to the board. The City of Enderby has secured a $5 million grant through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure program. The remaining balance is to be funded by a combination of the city's Growing Communities Fund, Fortune Parks and Recreation reserves held by the city, borrowing, and the funds that were approved on Wednesday.
The project will see a state-of-the-art outdoor pool complex built, which will feature a five-lane lap pool, a leisure pool, a lazy river, a parent and tot area, a hot tub, a lifeguard station, universal change rooms, mechanical systems and storage facilities.
The pool is being built on the north end of Barnes Park. The current pool is at the southeast corner of the park. It was constructed in 1954 and is nearing the end of its lifespan.