Paradise aims to make pool decision in February

By Mark Squibb

After commissioning a feasibility study this past summer, Paradise town council will make a formal decision in February on whether to build a swimming pool, although that date may change.
The results of the study, which were presented to council during the December 2 public meeting, found a swimming pool would cost between $46 and $67 million dollars to build, based a number of factors including size and location, and that residents would be taxed an additional $100 per household annually to help covering the operating expenses.
Councillor Glen Carew said that a number of residents reached out to him after seeing the article in The Shoreline News about the pool study. Given the amount of debate over the town’s need for a pool in recent years, he wondered whether it wouldn’t be a good idea to have a public information session before council makes a final decision.
“I can’t help but think that some feedback from residents, actual, in-person feedback, both for and against, might be good,” said Carew, adding he has talked to people who really want a swimming pool, and others who do not.
“This is an item that’s been on the forefront the four-and-a half years I’ve been on council,” said Carew, noting the discussion stretches back even farther. The project differs from other projects, he argued, such as the construction of the new lift station, in that the swimming pool is not an essential piece of infrastructure.
Carew asked when council would make a formal decision, adding the Town will likely need to seek funding and break the project into phases, should council decide to move forward with construction.
That decision, said councillor Jennifer Hiscock, who is the Town’s lead councillor for recreation issues, will be brought to council in February. She suggested council could revisit the idea of a public consultation at that time, possibly delaying the decisive vote.
Mayor Patrick Martin noted the town is in dire need of a new public works depot following the fire that gutted both the depot and Town Hall this past February, and it remains a priority.
“I’m not saying the pool is not important, but (councillor Carew) you alluded to essential services, and I think that’s the most crucial thing for our staff and the residents of Paradise right now,” said Martin. “I guess the thought is council and staff can come back in February and have another discussion on it.”
Martin said he hopes the decision to delay the budget, which he had announced earlier in the meeting, doesn’t give residents in favour of a pool, “false hopes.”
Deputy Mayor Kimberley Street also voiced her support for sending the feasibility study results to the public and seeking further feedback ahead of making a final decision.