The city expects to have a safe option for pool-side seating in time for the 55+ BC Games.
At its Aug. 12 meeting, Salmon Arm council supported a budget amendment through which $16,000 will be reallocated for the purchase of portable aluminum bleachers. The bleachers will replace those currently used for events at the SASCU Recreation Centre swimming pool.
In a presentation to council, Shuswap Recreation Society general manager Darin Gerow explained the state of the current bleachers, owned and managed by the Salmon Arm Sockeyes, were constructed in the 1980s and do not meet current safety standards. This, said Gerow, was determined during discussions about the Games being held in Salmon Arm Sept. 10 to 14.
"We’ve found some aluminum bleachers that are available, they hold approximately 30 people each and we’d be looking to purchase four sets…," said Gerow.
"This is an opportunity to allow all user groups to have access to rental bleachers for their events, not only in the aquatics centre but also Rogers Rink, sports fields and courts. In addition, these bleachers can be used in a new facility," reads a report from Salmon Arm Recreation.
The funding reallocation includes $9,000 from the recreation centre operating reserve, and $7,000 budgeted for an Ice Bath System project that is no longer a feasible option.
Gerow said the proposed purchase had been communicated via email to the Sockeyes, but "we’ve not heard back from them." Other user groups were also contacted about the purchase. He said if the bleaches were ordered quickly, the would arrive in time for the Games.
Coun. Debbie Cannon, president of the 2024 Games board of directors, said she's excited about the purchase. Regarding the existing bleachers, Cannon said she tried to find out more about their origin.
"Our administrator/director is Carl Cooper who was very involved with the swimming club," said Cannon. "He said he couldn’t remember when those were built either, but they are very rickety and they aren’t suitable to use."
Coun. Sylvia Lindgren suggested one of the four bleacher units could be set aside for the Games' athletes.
