Tab for indoor soccer dome going up

A big increase in costs for West Kelowna’s proposed soccer dome should not necessarily be the death knell for the project, some councillors say.

The tab for building the hoped-for indoor pitch has risen from an initial $1 million to $2.5 million.

“I am concerned about the rising cost of this project but now is not the time to say we can’t do it,” Mayor Doug Findlater said at Tuesday’s meeting.

“We need more information.”

Council wants more detailed comparisons between the proposed dome and a similar one that opened a few years ago in Kelowna.

West Kelowna has already pledged nearly $500,000 toward the indoor dome, and the Westside minor soccer association has grants and other funds of about $650,000.

It’s not yet known how the additional $1.5 would be derived. Options include the city covering the shortfall, minor soccer taking on additional fundraising, or a combination of the two strategies.

Council will make a decision on the project as part of 2018 budget deliberations in January.

“Either we make a deal and get this project off the ground, or move on,” said Coun. Duane Ophus.

“I want to get this done, pronto,” said Coun. Rusty Ensign, expressing frustration the issue has been discussed for nearly two years.

Councillors Rick De Jong and Bryden Winsby doubted the ability of the minor soccer to raise an additional $1 million for the project.

“Asking (them) to come with $200,000 a year for five years is not reasonable,” De Jong said.