The pool, which was opened in the 1960’s, has seen a fair share of work over the years. Swanson said when it was sandblasted a couple of years ago, its age was really showing. As well, it has been leaking water recently. The time has come for a replacement, as it has with many items in the community.
Due to where it will be built, Swanson said they would likely lose a couple of tenting spots in the nearby Lions Campground. However, there is the possibility of adding a few in the Ag Grounds in the future to make up for it. A new pool will make the campground busier, it would be a worthwhile development.
The new pool would be larger than the existing one, with a different shape. The plans will be available to the public at a meeting planned for next month.
The initial estimates for the cost of the project are $2.2 million. The municipality has money in its coffers and they are also in the process of securing grants. Grants could be half and half or one third (province, federal, municipality) each. Either way they are good, and the expense will be shared over two years.
Depending on grants, they could be adding some playground equipment as well. However, they are focusing on getting the pool going and other developments might have to wait until the future.
“It’s outlived its usefulness, but it has served us well. If we could get 40-60 years out of the new pool, we would be thrilled.”
The idea would be to start working on the new pool while the old one is serving its last summer, then open it for the 2023 season.
Swanson said it is time to start replacing the older recreation facilities. Right now, they are working on developing a new arena on the chosen spot on the corner of Egan and South Railway Street. Applications are in for grants for that project, and they are looking to start an arena fundraising committee very soon. She said it will likely be a few more years before this one gets off the ground, but work and planning needs to continue.
The plans for the new pool will be released to the public at the Boissevain Legion Hall on February 16 at 7:00 pm.
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff