Active Living Centre

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Active Living Centre?

  The Active Living Centre (ALC) is Vernon’s new hub for health, recreation, and community activity.
  
  Designed to support people of all ages and abilities, the ALC brings together aquatics, fitness, sport, and community programming in one modern facility. Whether you’re swimming laps, joining a fitness class, playing recreational sports, or spending time with family, this facility will offer a welcoming place for residents to stay active year-round.
  
  The facility will include:

  • An eight-lane 50-metre pool
  • A leisure pool for family recreation and lessons
  • A double gymnasium for sports and activities
  • A fully equipped fitness centre
  • An indoor walking and running track
  • Multi-purpose spaces for programs and community use
     
• What can I do at the Active Living Centre?

  The Active Living Centre offers something for everyone — whether you're looking to improve your fitness, learn a new skill, spend time with family, or connect with others in the community.
  
  You can:

  • Swim laps in the 50-metre pool, watch your child build skills in lessons, or enjoy time together in the leisure pool
  • Train in the fitness centre with modern cardio and strength equipment
  • Walk or run on the indoor track year-round, rain or shine
  • Join group classes such as yoga, spin, strength training, or aquafit
  • Register for camps, youth programs, senior activities, and family programs throughout the year
  • Play drop-in sports in the gym or join a recreational sports league
  • Host birthday parties, special events, or community gatherings
  • Meet with friends and neighbours in welcoming community spaces

  It is designed to support active living at every stage of life.
   

• Where is the Active Living Centre located?

  The Active Living Centre is located at 3501 43rd Avenue, Vernon, BC (adjacent to Kal Tire Place). 

• When will the Active Living Centre open and when can I register for programs?

  The Vernon Active Living Centre is expected to open for drop-in activities in late Fall 2026.
  
  Opening first for drop-in activities will allow residents to explore the facility, try out the spaces, and experience everything the Centre has to offer while staff ensure programs and services are running smoothly.
  
  Registered programs will begin in early 2027, with registration opening in late 2026.
  
  Exact dates will be shared as we get closer to opening.

• What will the hours of operation be?

  Operating hours will be confirmed in late spring and posted on the City’s website. 

• Will recreation fees change?

  An updated fee structure for the Active Living Centre will be presented to Council this spring.
  
  Once Council has reviewed and made a decision, updated rates will be shared with the public. The City remains committed to keeping recreation accessible and affordable so residents of all ages and backgrounds can participate.
  
  Advance notice will be provided before any changes take effect.
   

• Will my existing membership or pass work at the Active Living Centre?

  Yes. Existing valid memberships, passes and punch cards purchased within the past two years will be valid at the Active Living Centre once it opens. If there are any future changes to membership options, we’ll provide clear information and advance notice.

• Is the Active Living Centre fully accessible?

  Yes. The facility has been designed to meet modern accessibility standards (following Rick Hansen Foundation guidelines) and includes universal change rooms, accessible pool access, and inclusive program spaces to support people of all ages and abilities. 

• What does Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification mean?

  The Active Living Centre is being designed to meet Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification standards.
  
  This means the facility goes beyond basic building code to improve accessibility for people of all ages and abilities. Certification looks at things like accessible entrances, change rooms, pool access, and clear wayfinding to ensure the space is welcoming and easy to use for everyone.
   

• Is the indoor walking or running track free to use?

  Access to the indoor walking and running track is expected to be included with a membership or drop-in admission. Specific details about track access and pricing will be confirmed closer to opening.

• What spaces at the Active Living Centre can be booked or rented?

  Many spaces within the Active Living Centre will be available for community rentals and bookings.
  
  Groups will be able to reserve gymnasium space, pool space, multi-purpose rooms, and meeting areas for events, tournaments, training sessions, and community gatherings.
  
  A full list of bookable spaces, rental options, and rates will be shared closer to opening.
   

• Will child minding be available at the Active Living Centre?

  Child minding is planned as part of the Active Living Centre experience to help make recreation more accessible for families.
  
  This service will allow parents and caregivers to participate in fitness activities or programs while their children are cared for in a safe and engaging environment.
  
  Details about hours, age ranges, and registration will be shared once program planning is finalized.
   

• What are universal changerooms and how do they work?

  Universal changerooms are inclusive spaces designed for all guests, featuring individual private change stalls and private showers. Guests may choose a larger stall for family use or a single occupancy stall for changing alone; however, changing in the common areas is not permitted.

• What will happen to the Vernon Recreation Centre (VRC)?

  The Vernon Recreation Centre will remain open as we transition to the new Active Living Centre, with services shifting in phases over time.
  
  Here’s what that transition will look like:

  • The pool and fitness centre will close mid fall 2026 once occupancy for the Active Living Centre is finalized
  • Swim clubs will continue using the VRC through late fall to early winter 
  • Dryland programs will continue through to the end of December, including fitness classes and children and youth programs 
  • Beginning in January 2027, the VRC will operate primarily as a rental and community booking facility

  The VRC will continue to support local groups and community events as part of Vernon’s overall recreation system. A long-term plan for the facility will be developed in 2027.
   

• Why is the pool at the VRC closing before the Active Living Centre opens?

  The pool at the Vernon Recreation Centre will close at the end of September for public aquatics programs to allow time for staff training and service testing at the new facility.
  
  This preparation period ensures the Active Living Centre opens safely and smoothly for the community.
   

• Is the construction project on budget?

  Yes. The project is currently on track to be delivered within Council-approved budgets, with regular public reporting provided throughout construction.

• What does “Net Zero Ready” mean?

  Net Zero Ready means the Active Living Centre is designed so it can operate as a net zero emissions building in the future. While it does not yet include on-site renewable energy systems (like solar panels and electric boilers), it is engineered to easily add these systems at a later date.