50 years ago: Powell River Recreation Complex referendum passes

Powell River Recreation Complex has been called one of the jewels of this community.

The concept was born out of squabbling among many community groups. The hockey players and figure skaters needed a second sheet of ice based on their numbers, the swimmers needed an indoor facility that was immune to the weather, and the arts community needed a decent venue with everything required for performances.

Just when it appeared that no one would have anything, a group spearheaded by Jean Lupul managed to get everyone working on a complex that would meet the needs of many groups, not just one or two.

On June 23, 1973, 64 per cent of Powell River's eligible voters passed the recreation complex referendum by a 72-per-cent majority: The outcome of the referendum gave then city council members the go ahead to build the new complex.

The projected cost at that time was $3.5 million, with anticipated grants of $333,000 from the provincial recreation facilities fund and $600,000 from the federal winter works program. The municipality secured additional grants of $1.4 million.

The complex opened on December 13, 1975, at an actual cost of $7.5 million, the largest debt the municipality had ever had up to that point.

Today the recreation complex is the centre of many community events. Two levels include Evergreen Theatre, meeting rooms, spectator galleries, full banquet kitchen facilities and offices upstairs, and two rinks, the aquatic centre and offices downstairs.

In 1985, the pool was renovated and the design was changed to make it user-friendly, including the addition of a swirlpool.

City of Powell River's parks, recreation and culture department regulary publishes active living guides, highlighting all that is available within the facility for children, adults and seniors, no matter where their interests lay.