PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Madoc Pool

High costs and low use lead to permanent closure of Madoc pool Public engagement planned to help inform community funds

Following years of discussion, on Thursday, February 19, Centre Hastings Council approved staff’s recommendation to permanently close Madoc Pool. At the same time, Council recognized the efforts of many community members who have raised nearly $185,000 for the pool. The Municipality has reached out to this group and has begun to plan a formal public engagement process to help redirect the funds into enhancing existing recreation in Centre Hastings.

“The decision to close the pool was challenging,” said Mayor Deline. “We have tried on and off for years to keep it running because we know the pool has a long history in our community. At the end of the day, it’s our job to deliver quality services at costs that our taxpayers can bear. It is simply not feasible to replace the pool nor financially responsible to continue fixing it.

“That said, we also greatly appreciate the time and passion of the dedicated group who has worked hard to fundraise to protect it. We want to honour their efforts. The funds they raised came from the community and how they are used going forward should be informed by the community. Staff is working on an engagement plan, and Council can’t wait to hear what ideas residents have so we can improve our current parks and recreation in ways that bring the greatest value for everyone.”

Rationale to close the pool

The decision to close the pool was based on several factors:

• The pool’s condition has worsened significantly over the past several years.
• The costs to bring it up to meet safety standards exceed $150,000, not including the costs of lifeguards and day-to-day maintenance. This investment would only be a short-term measure and not a long-term solution.
• Building a new pool is out of the Municipality’s financial reach.
• The pool has seen very limited use over the past several years.
• Recruiting enough qualified lifeguards has been challenging.
• Other, more popular recreational facilities, need repair.

Planned public engagement

Over the last decade, members of the community have raised approximately $185,000 to help keep the pool running. The funds are being held in a municipal reserve fund. Municipal staff will be reaching out to the fundraisers and have begun planning opportunities to hear from the community about how to direct the funds and re-invest them to enhance existing recreation offerings in Centre Hastings.
The Municipality’s website will be kept up to date with details about the closure and the planned engagement. Visit: www.centrehastings.com/madocpool.

CONTACT PERSON
Typhany Choinard, CAO/Clerk
tchoinard@centrehastings.com

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : Madoc Pool