MOUNT FOREST – Around 30 people were at the Mount Forest and District Sports Complex on March 23 for the first in-person public meeting held since the pandemic began.
Scott Robinson of Tillmann Ruth Robinson presented 3D-rendered concept designs for a proposed outdoor pool in Mount Forest to replace the aging Lion Roy Grant pool.
A survey was distributed to attendees to solicit feedback on the pool designs, and the township has since launched an online survey version, and a PDF that can be filled out and submitted via email.
According to township operations director Matt Aston, six surveys have been returned as of March 25 and they will continue to be accepted until April 30.
Collected feedback will be packaged into a report by township staff and relayed to the township’s recreation, parks and leisure committee (RPL), the members of which will decide on a single design to submit to council for approval.
Wellington options_2_compressed
Councillor Steve McCabe, who is also committee chair, said questions were asked by attendees about pool deck size and why the township wasn’t opting for an indoor pool.
McCabe said whatever size the pool ends up being, there’s a prescribed amount of deck/concrete space required to surround the pool’s water portion, both for access and to be compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
As for the indoor versus outdoor debate, Aston said that bridge was crossed in the township’s 2018 Recreation Master Plan.
The plan reports findings from an online recreation survey at the time showing an indoor pool as one of the top desires of respondents, especially those from Mount Forest (compared to Arthur).
Despite the strong desire for an indoor option and associated benefits, the master plan states, “The township lacks the population and tax-base to offset these substantial costs” and opposed recommending an indoor pool.
The upfront capital and ongoing maintenance costs for an indoor option are incredible.
At the time the plan was completed four years ago, the capital cost of constructing an indoor pool was estimated to be around $10 million. Adjusted for inflation that cost now would be over $11 million, and Aston guessed it could range as high as $15 million.
“Municipal pools are one of the most expensive recreational facilities to operate, which can be financially challenging for many communities,” the recreation plan states, adding indoor pools are “seldom provided in small communities.”
Running an outdoor facility for three to four months out of a year is less costly than running an indoor facility for 12 months, Aston said.
He also pointed out the township struggles as it is to get lifeguards for the summer months.
Regardless of the outdoor pool design ultimately chosen by the committee, the cost is predicted to range upwards of $5.5 million – and that’s without any add-on features, such as a climbing wall.
McCabe said when the township initially began discussing replacement of the Lion Roy Grant pool years ago, concepts ranged from $3 to 3.5 million.
He expressed bewilderment at the increase in cost since, but said a pool eventually needs to replace the old one built in the 1950s.
“We’re absolutely going to be looking at funding from the province and the feds,” he remarked.
“I think it’s almost a given that towns have to have a pool amenity, people expect that,” he continued, adding recreation is “the face of our municipality; it’s the first thing that people for the most part interact with.”
Township staff are planning to have feedback ready for the committee’s May meeting, according to Aston.
Staff will then “work with the committee to incorporate some of the feedback into what ultimately will become the preferred concept,” he said.
Robinson, principal and design director of the architectural firm hired by the township, said there will likely be a fourth concept drawn up, blending preferred elements from the three initial designs presented.
The challenge moving forward, he said, is in answering the question of “how do we create a pool that has something for everyone?”
Needs must be balanced out against wants, and although the firm won’t be able to satisfy everyone, the goal is getting as close as possible to a design responding to the desires of the community and offering something for young and old – and staying within financial limitations.
“I’m hoping people will keep an open mind to that,” Robinson said.
Once the committee arrives at a decision, it will also empower the Mount Forest aquatics ad hoc advisory committee (separate from the RPL committee) to begin brainstorming fundraising options for feature add-ons.
Councillor Sherry Burke, who is chair of the ad hoc advisory committee, is hoping the pool will serve as a “destination for all ages and abilities.”
The advisory committee will be discussing fundraising opportunities at a future meeting in April.
Overall, McCabe said the public meeting went well but he wished for a better turnout.
“This is all of our money, this is our tax dollars at work and we want to try and get it right,” he said.
“I think once the word is out a little bit, I’m hoping that there’s more involvement.”
For more information, including accessing the survey, visit wellington-north.com.
