Mayor Stew Young said the $2.4-million purchase price is a bargain for his city, as it would cost $7 million to $8 million to build a similar facility.
Langford acquired the Mountainside Athletic Club after the Bear Mountain Master Partnership lost its properties through financial collapse. Development of the project has resumed, and the current owner, Ecoasis Development, is proceeding with construction of cycling and tennis infrastructure that will complement the municipal recreation centre.
The centre will be open to the public 鈥� Young says his city wants to be sure to have facilities that benefit the region 鈥� but Langford residents will get discounted rates. Renovations are planned to the fitness and pool area to make it more family-friendly.
The ambitious Bear Mountain project was plagued by controversy right from its birth. Some perhaps would have preferred it not be built at all, but it is now firmly part of the landscape. Leaving it uncompleted would greatly diminish its value; finishing it will help ensure it is an asset for the region.
A high-end development on a mountain can easily acquire a 鈥渉ouse on the hill鈥� reputation, separate and aloof from the surrounding community. Turning the Bear Mountain fitness centre into a municipally owned facility will help bridge the gap.
A third of Langford residents live north of the Trans-sa国际传媒 Highway and it would have been expensive and time-consuming to find and develop land in that area for a new recreation centre. Acquiring the resort鈥檚 fitness centre is a savvy deal that saves time and money.
