Ward 6 Councillor Jo-Anne Gignac is intrigued with the public school board’s proposal to keep swimming alive in her district., but says the idea needs more study.
The Greater Essex County District School Board is inviting groups to come forward with ideas on how to keep the pool at Riverside High school open.
The Board says the pool needs $500,000 in upgrades, and costs ratepayers $70,000 a year to maintain.
Trustees decided to close the pool at an earlier meeting , but may have received a reprieve after a motion was passed inviting proposals for community partnerships.
Board Trustee Gail Simko-Hatfield, who brought forward the idea at the board meeting on Tuesday evening thought the city might be interested after a petition was presented by 150 parents to keep the pool open.
Gignac admits east-end residents have long wanted a pool, but says a partnership would have to look at short and long term operation costs, population and distribution. “We have not talked about the subject of having a permanent facility on the far east end, but it's not out of the realm of possibilities. I say we have a good conversation about it.
The pool is slated to close at the end of the school year next month.
