Saugeen Shores residents had there chance to make suggestions for a new indoor aquatic facility to serve the town.
15 people attended a meeting last (MON) night in Southampton as part of the second phase of looking into possibilities for a new indoor pool.
The existing Centennial Pool is over 30 years old and needs repairs.
The facility also is not fully accessible.
The first phase of community consultations showed residents want to see an indoor pool remain in Saugeen Shores.
Councillor Luke Charbonneau supports the idea of a new aquatic facility but wants to make sure it is financially sustainable.
People who attended the meeting made suggestions on what a new pool should offer and where it should be located.
The most popular location suggested is adjacent to The Plex in Port Elgin. Other possibilities include nearby private property or the municipally-owned Fenton lands at the south end of Port Elgin.
Popular suggestions on the amenities the facilities should have include enough lanes for competitive swimming, a large viewing area, and an indoor walking/running track.
Bernie Range, the town’s project consultant says the nature of indoor pools is changing to better include all age groups, abilities, and activities.
Indoor pools in many municipalities now include separate pools for leisure activities, competitive swimming, and children.
Angela Albright, whose daughter is a member of the local Breakers swim team wants to be sure any new pool in Saugeen shores has enough lanes for competition.
She says having enough lanes would mean the pool could host many swim meets that would help the facility pay for itself quickly.
The residents who attended the meeting also made suggestions about how much money the community should raise for a new facility.
Suggested amounts ranged from one to three million dollars, with the rest of the costs being covered by the municipality, province, or federal government.
Director of Community Services Mike Myatt says things are still in the information gathering stage.
The suggestions from community members will be compiled into a report and presented to council so it can make an informed decision on the future of indoor aquatic facilities in Saugeen Shores.
