KENILWORTH – Wellington North is recruiting a coordinator to help a six-member committee fundraise millions of dollars toward a new outdoor pool in Mount Forest.
Consisting of members of the Mount Forest Aquatics Advisory Committee — including Sherry Burke, Ray Tout, Vern Job, Shelley Weber, Al Leach and Jessica McFarlane — the fundraising team is tasked with closing a daunting funding gap for a new pool to replace the defunct Lion Roy Grant pool.
Local taxpayers are chipping in at least $2.8 million, and the fundraising team is expected to uncover another $2.5 million, bringing the total to $5.3 million.
The latest estimate pegs the pool cost at $5.5 million, but that number is expected to change by the time a tender is issued for the project. It’s unknown how the township will cover a current shortfall of $200,000.
This past summer, the pool committee heard from township economic development officer Dale Small about the options for hiring outside help.
The committee favoured a phased, internal fundraising approach, rather than hiring a professional consultant.
An October report from Small to council states the cost of professional assistance is too high, and the township would still need to dedicate significant internal resources.
The township fundraising coordinator – to fill a currently vacant position, according to Small’s report – will ensure the campaign runs smoothly, organize fundraising events, motivate team members, and provide support to the fundraising director and other members.
Funding for the position will be pulled from the economic development budget, according to Small’s report.
“We don’t see it being a full-time, permanent position that is strictly dedicated to fundraising; we also don’t see it as the person that’s responsible for raising $2.5 million,” Small told council during an Oct. 10 meeting.
The person will support the team and fundraising efforts, he said.
With committee members appointed to official fundraising roles during the same meeting, the team will begin in earnest preparation for the major fundraising campaign, including training, recruiting volunteers, and developing plans and handbooks.
Councillor Burke is fundraising director; Tout is overseeing corporate donor relations; Job, Weber and Leach are overseeing community donor relations; and McFarlane is social media and communications coordinator.
Running throughout 2024, the internal plan involves targeting corporate donors and community organizations, followed by public campaigning, soliciting donations from individuals and at fundraising events.
Following a successful campaign, Small’s report states, “the expectation would be that as part of the 2025 budget process, council would endorse the tender, construction, and completion of the pool in 2025 with the pool opening for its inaugural season in 2026.”
Burke told council there was “a lot of conversation” at the committee level to arrive at the decision.
“The committee believes that we know our community the best,” she said.
