Carbonear moves to online swimming registration

By Mark Squibb/January 6, 2023

Parents wishing to register their children for swimming lessons at the Carbonear swimming pool may find it easier to do so this year.

During a meeting on December 13, the Town inked a three-year deal with Universe Software Incorporated to provide an online registration system at the Carbonear pool and recreation facility.

Previously, parents would have to line up and register in-person at the pool; now, they will be able to register online at their own convenience.

The motion was brought forward by councillor Ray Noel and seconded by councillor Danielle Doyle.

“I’m just really happy to see this motion here,” said Doyle. “I think there’ll be a lot of happy parents registering for swimming lessons here on out.”

The Town will pay a one-time installation fee of $1,150 and then an annual fee of $7,250, plus HST.

Noel noted the benefit will outweigh the cost, as it will make it easier for folks to better avail of the swimming pool.

Doyle added that besides benefiting parents, it will help free up pool employees’ time.

“Employees were taking hours and hours and hours of their time to do swimming registration,” said Doyle. “It wasn’t a good use of our skilled workforce, our very specialized lifeguards.”

But not all of council seemed entirely on board with the idea.

“This is a pretty fair annual cost,” said councillor Peter Snow. “So, if we find out that the software isn’t right for our town and our pool, we can always look at it down the road. But if it works fine and does the job, by all means.”

The contract will be in effect for three years.

During the previous council meeting, held on November 22, council had actually approved a motion to purchase a year’s worth of Book King Recreation Management Software for online registration at a cost of $425 a month, plus a $1,799 hook up fee.

There was a lengthy discussion following that motion regarding the cost of the service, though the motion was ultimately approved unanimously.

Council, during the December 13 meeting, rescinded that motion upon approval of the new motion.

Besides upgrading the booking system, the Town will also be doing some external work on the pool building.

During that same meeting on December 13, council voted unanimously to contract Bay Builders to supply and install siding at the back end of the pool at a cost of $46,100 plus HST.

Deputy Mayor Sam Slade asked if the work will entail the whole of the back wall of the pool, given the substantial price.

Noel said the Town has been tackling the pool siding replacement piecemeal over the years, and this motion should finish the work. He added the material is good quality, and noted the price of materials has led to price increases.

CAO Cynthia Davis added that if any work remains to be completed, it will be budgeted at a future time.