Chatham Coun. Anne Gilbert is not impressed, after finding out the Jaycee Pool in Chatham could be on the chopping block.
However, staff assured council the proper funds are in the bank to save it.
Gilbert said a public meeting is scheduled to take place on Feb.12 to gather input about the future of the outdoor pool.
“We had no idea that this was happening,” Gilbert said. “We should’ve been made aware of it before the budget started.”
Gilbert said she has concerns over the proper funding being in place, after council approved $7.3 million in reserves being shifted over to help offset the infrastructure deficit.
Gerry Wolting, general manager of corporate services, said the money is in reserves do the necessary work at the pool. He added there is currently $220,000 in the outdoor pool reserve, with $75,000 budgeted annually for it.
“Funding is in place for you to consider all options for the Jaycee Pool,” he said.
Chatham Coun. Doug Sulman said he’s certain council will have the ability to keep the pool open.
“The money is there, the funding is there,” he said. “That should be the last place where you want to close a pool.”
The public meeting takes place at the Active Lifestyle Centre from 7 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 12.
I learned to swim there as a child and it is a popular pool for hundreds of youngsters from neighbourhoods up to half a kilometre away.