Penticton community centre expansion work begun

Penticton’s $23 million expansion of its community centre officially began today, paving the way for a new leisure pool, change rooms and fitness facility.

The construction project is expected to take a year, with two-thirds of the costs picked up by the provincial and federal governments.

While the facility undergoes the extensive renovation, the 35 community centre employees were laid off, causing many of them to be concerned for their future employment.

A 1,500 signature petition was presented to Penticton city council this week over concerns that jobs will be lost when the centre re-opens, as it may be operated by a private contractor.

Mayor Dan Ashton says those concerns have been noted, but due to labour negotiations with CUPE, the union representing the laid off workers, he would not comment on the future of jobs at the centre.