There used to be a TV ad that stated “Pay me now, or pay me later.”
Saugeen Shores is looking at just that scenario when it comes to the future of its Centennial Pool located at Saugeen District Secondary School.
Hired pool consultant Ed Fowler says some major money is going to have to be spent on the pool either now or later if it’s going to continue to be used.
Fowler says for a 35 year old facility, the pool is in decent shape but in order to extend its life for another 25 years, almost five million dollars will have to be spent on everything from interior and exterior issues to something as simple as a security system.
He says one thing that does have to be addressed immediately is the de-humidifier in the building.
Fowler says it’s on its last legs and if that goes and is not replaced the pool will have to be shut down.
Some people say spending five million on repairs is a waste of money and that nine-to-ten million should be spent on building a new facility.
Saugeen Shores councillor Taun Frosst says it’s a big ticket item that will increase taxes so a consensus is needed from the public.
He personally is against spending five million dollars for repairs on a facility that won’t even meet accessibility standards but he admits a new pool is a giant money item that would affect everyone’s taxes.
In the meantime, council will consider the 500 thousand dollar de-humidifier cost at a capital budget meeting tonight.
