The findings of Phase 3 of the Saugeen Shores Pool Study are now available.
Monteith Brown Planning Consultants President Todd Brown presented Council with three options on Monday night.
He says they can renovate the existing Centennial Pool for about 3 million dollars, they could build an addition to the Plex for about 10 million, or they could build a stand-alone aquatic facility again for about 10 million.
But Brown says first things first – council needs to have a talk with the Bluewater District School Board.
Brown says it’s important to know what the school board is planning for the Centennial Pool at Saugeen District Secondary.
Once council knows whether the board intends to keep pool, renovate it, or replace it, they will have a better understanding of their options.
Brown says if the Centennial Pool turns out not to be a viable option, their study found that building a pool at the Plex would be best.
He says the site benefits include the already existing staff levels at the Plex and the possibility of heat exchange between the arena and the pool facility.
Brown points out a stand-alone facility would also present some good options because it would allow for future expansion.
In the end, Brown says council still has to decide if they and the public are willing to support the costs associated with building a new pool.
He reminds council that aquatic facilities do not make money and there would definitely be an impact on taxpayers.
Brown says there is revenue to be generated, especially through swimming lessons, but operating costs would greatly outweigh that.
For example, Brown says if council decides to add a pool to the Plex the study has found that the pool would run a yearly deficit between 360 and 380 thousand dollars.
Brown adds it would be very helpful if council had a Recreation Master Plan.
He recommends they develop one to determine if a pool is a top priority in the community.