A new $14.5 million natural outdoor swimming pool for Borden Park was among the projects approved Wednesday by Edmonton city council as part of the 2012-14 capital budget.

It will replace the aging pool that's currently in the park. Coun. Tony Caterina successfully argued for the expenditure, saying other parts of the city have received new pools in recent years.

"Queen E, for example, is a stone's throw from Kinsmen," he said.

A number of organizations also had their funding requests granted by council.

The iHuman Youth Society, a group that helps inner-city youth through art, has moved five times over the last 12 years. Councillors approved a $1.75 million expenditure for the organization to set up a permanent home.

The Telus World of Science is receiving $4 million for its proposed expansion.

The Whitemud Equine Centre is also getting $4 million to help repair and rebuild stables and the riding arena.

City councillors will start deliberating the operating budget on Thursday.