Phase three of the Next Wave study is moving along in Saugeen Shores.
The process is designed to decide if, or what kind of an aquatic facility the town should have to replace the aging Centennial Pool in Port Elgin.
A public meeting was held last night to gather further input on what a new pool could look like.
Options include lanes for competition, waterslides, therapeutic features, and an indoor walking/running track surrounding the pool.
Most residents would like to see a new facility built in an area central to Port Elgin and Southampton, with easy access to recreational trails.
The meeting drew about 50 people, and one thing was noticeably lacking—and that’s opposition to building a new pool.
Resident Matt Barfoot is an adult member of the Breaker’s Swim Club, as well as a triathlete and says a new pool would spur the growth of the sport even more.
He says a formal triathlon club would likely start in Saugeen Shores if there was a larger, modern aquatic facility.
Local Chiropractor Laura Armstrong says there would be a lot of benefits from having a warm water pool that would accomadate older residents taking part in aquafit programs.
She says from a rehabilitation perspective, there are many facilities out there right now that do therapeutic treatment in warm water pools as well.
The lack of public opposition to a new pool doesn’t mean it isn’t out there.
Town Recreation and Culture Manager Jayne Jagelewski says they are encouraging residents who oppose the idea to attend public meetings, and to contact either her or Community Services Director Mike Myatt at the municipal office.
Jagelewski says they need to hear from people who are in opposition as well as those in support.
Monteith Brown Planning Consultants is guiding the Next Wave study process.
The firm’s Todd Brown says the next step is to take the information the community has provided on location and what amenities a new pool should offer and develop a final set of recommendations for council this fall.
He says they will also look at the business planning side of how much it will cost to build a new aquatic facility and operate it.
The cost will depend on what amenities end up being included in the facility.
Brown says most municipal aquatic facilities run at a deficit, the current Centennial Pool operates at a loss of 190 thousand dollars per year.
He says a new facility could only be utilized within 25 to 50 percent of its capacity — but that would likely increase because a modern facility would have better amenities and attract more users.
One more public meeting will take place, likely in October.