Corner Brook Mayor Jim Parsons is hoping that by this summer the advisory group looking at the feasibility of a new swimming pool for the region will have some recommendations about the project.
The need for a new pool became evident when Grenfell Campus closed its 40-year-old pool in the spring of 2016, leaving just the arts and culture centre pool to serve the needs of the city and surrounding region.
The arts and culture centre pool is now 50 years old and there are many concerns about its continued operation.
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Last September, the city’s previous council awarded a contract on a feasibility study about the viability of building a new regional aquatic centre to Tract Consulting Inc. The estimated cost of the study was $107,479 (HST included).
The provincial government provided 70 per cent of that funding, with the advisory group — made up the city, Mount Moriah, Massey Drive, Steady Brook, the YMCA of Western Newfoundland, Humber Community and the Corner Brook Rapids Swim Club — contributing the rest.
Last fall the consultant approached residents in the region through surveys and public meetings, and has provided the advisory group with some preliminary data on what people are looking for.
This includes pool size and associated amenities, and things like a recreational pool, splash pad, gymnasiums and fitness facilities. They also provided some data on other projects.
“It took a little longer, I guess, once it got started to just hash out exactly what the process would be from a decision-making point of view, where it is a regional project,” said Parsons.
He added the group is now “getting down to the nitty, gritty,” in looking at the information from the consultant.
“And now we’re really digging into numbers.”
He said the consultant has provided estimates on what they think the usage will potentially look like in the future and what some costs might be.
He said the group has a lot of questions.
“It’s a long-term project, but this is a project you don’t want to rush,” he said.
Once they have a better handle on things the next step will be for the consultant to look at site selection options and operational models.
That will then be brought to member councils for review and approval.
If the group decides to proceed it will have to start another process.
“And then that’s a whole other ball park,” said Parsons, “figuring out who pays for what.”
He said they will revisit capital costs and operational costs, how much each community has to contribute and who will run the facility.
“We want to build a facility, I guess, that’s within our means, but is somewhat aspirational as well. So, it is tricky.”
