Read on Twitter
Hey @ABDanielleSmith, I listened to your interview with @AndrewKnack about the potential pool closures in Edmonton.
I've been advocating around the Scona Pool issue since 2009. A few points:
I've been advocating around the Scona Pool issue since 2009. A few points:
1. Scona Pool has been run by a private operator for many many years, well before my time being involved.
Stories of mismanagement were handed down to me from community members.
Current operator is good, but not without challenge. There is benefit to a "one city" approach
Stories of mismanagement were handed down to me from community members.
Current operator is good, but not without challenge. There is benefit to a "one city" approach
I should clarify, the current operator is a good manager.
2. The City has said they are no longer willing to do rehab on the pool and one day it will close.
The community has had a concept plan approved for a new SMALL scale rec facility to replace it. Rollie Miles Rec Centre.
The community has had a concept plan approved for a new SMALL scale rec facility to replace it. Rollie Miles Rec Centre.
3. Area is seeing increased density, young families moving in, etc. Many are moving here because they are looking for an urban lifestyle that doesn't require a car to get everywhere.
4. This is no longer a fight just about Scona Pool. It now involves 2 others - Oliver and Eastglen. It's about the bigger question of whether the city can put its money where its mouth is in regarding to building greener, denser and more walkable communities.
5. Some area residents have told me they are willing to look at fundraising or extra levies on their property taxes to contribute to a new small scale facility. Residents are looking for a liveable community and are willing to look at options to get there.
6. @AndrewKnack mentioned something like $16-26M to upgrade Scona. Did I hear that correctly? Design for the new facility was estimated at $2.3M last capital budget. Construction at $76M. About 1/4 price of new mega rec centre. The smart $$ decision is to fund design & construct.
7. Communities around Scona Pool, Oliver and Eastglen are going to keep fighting. The only way to move towards a resolution is to get Rollie Miles Rec Centre built, pilot a small scale, basic approach to rec centres and then move to other neighbourhoods.
