City looking to reopen shuttered swimming pool this summer
A year after an aging outdoor pool was closed by city hall, a plan is being formulated to see it reopen.
Glen Cairn Pool remained closed last summer because specialized contractors were not available to undertake extensive repairs.
That left residents of the southeast London, Ont. neighbourhood to ride a special bus to other municipal aquatic facilities.
“It was very inconvenient with the pool not being open,” explained neighbour Heather Palmer. “Our children have to be shipped to other areas of town that they’re not familiar with.”
In a statement, Civic Administration told CTV News London, “It is too early to comment on the status of the Glen Cairn Pool at this time.”
However, staff tipped their hand at a council committee meeting on Tuesday that a plan to reopen Glen Cairn Pool is in the works.
“Hopefully some good news about Glen Cairn Pool, that we’ll be able to update council and the community on a potential opening for this summer,” Cheryl Smith, deputy city manager of Neighbourhood and Community-wide Services to the committee.
Coun. Hadleigh McAlister said staff have developed a list of steps needed to reopen.
“The human and the material resources that we need to open in June. I know the city staff are working very hard to get there, and I will be on it,” McAlister explained.
Public pools play several important roles including recreation, refuge during summer heat warnings, and teaching water safety.
For Palmer, it’s also about equity in neighbourhoods where many families are struggling.
“Very imperative to have [a public pool] in a neighbourhood like this with so many people that are in so much need,” she added.
“What it has shown is that each neighbourhood needs its own recreational facility,” said McAlister. “I’ve heard loud and clear that it’s something we want to keep in the neighborhood.”
A staff report on the future of Glen Cairn Pool is expected to go to council in March.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Calgary bridges remain closed due to ongoing police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Kinew, Poilievre meet at Manitoba legislature, discuss each other's priorities
Premier Wab Kinew and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre met at the Manitoba legislature Thursday afternoon.
Grandparent scam: London, Ont., senior beats fraudsters not once, but twice
It was a typical Tuesday for Mabel Beharrell, 84, until she got the call that would turn her world upside down. Her teenaged grandson was in trouble and needed her help.