The results of a telephone poll on the current level of support for an aquatic centre in 100 Mile House has revealed the opinions of 400 people within the South Cariboo Recreation boundaries.
It shows 46 per cent said they support the existing project proposal, while 40 per cent said they did not, and another 14 per cent were undecided.
The Cariboo Regional District's (CRD) summary of the report states this provides "an unclear determination" on whether there is sufficient support to move ahead with the pool project at this time.
However, 62 per cent of respondents indicated a family member would use a local pool if it was built within the next few years, while 31 per cent said they would not.
The poll was conducted by the CRD and District of 100 Mile House, and carried out by Discovery Research.
The results will be considered by the local governments in determining if there is sufficient support to move forward with a public hearing and referendum on the project.
The aquatic centre's current concept design features a four-lane, 25-metre lap pool and a similar-sized leisure pool. It also includes a lazy river, spray fountains, a hot tub and a potential multi-purpose space.
The latest estimate for 2016 construction costs is $14.4 million.
Cost impacts examined
The majority of poll questions were based on the current proposal that could mean up to $135 increase per $100,000 of residential tax assessments for properties within its taxation boundaries.
The vast majority of those opposed to the proposal cited reasons of an unaffordable cost and/or excessive taxation levels, but 32 per cent said they would support a less costly pool centre project with a minimized size and design.
Another 30 per cent of respondents against the pool due to costs/taxation said that they would also not approve of the project at a lesser value.
Because the remaining 38 per cent were undecided on this question, the CRD summary notes more
information is "clearly" required by residents to allow them to make an informed decision on a lower-cost proposal.
Who was polled
The respondents' awareness of the pool project was rated at 87 per cent – summarized as "extremely high."
They mostly consisted of residents of 108 Mile Ranch (32 per cent), 100 Mile House (21 per cent) and Horse Lake (19 per cent).
Lone Butte residents made up another 11 per cent, with the remainder (16 per cent) from Horse Lake North,
Forest Grove, Buffalo Creek, 103 Mile and Gateway.
Year-round residents made up about 98 per cent of the people polled. Approximately 30 per cent each were under the age of 40, or more than 65 years old, with just over 40 per cent aged between 40 and 64.
Females made up 59 per cent of respondents, 41 per cent were males, and 32 per cent indicated they currently have children or teens living at home.
The South Cariboo Joint Committee, which reviews and discusses the ongoing project, meets next on Oct. 21.
More information and the survey report is available on the CRD website at www.cariboord.bc.ca.