Council committee extends possible lifeline to Thames Pool
London, Ont. city councillors want more information and more opportunities for public input before making a final decision about the future of Thames Pool.
Last week, a city staff report recommended decommissioning the pool because of the cost to repair recurring damage caused by floods and a high water table.
On Tuesday, the Community and Protective Services Committee discussed the report after receiving extensive feedback from the public about the pool’s future and the lack of public consultation.
“We know what it means, so this is a difficult conversation today,” Councillor Elizabeth Peloza told members of the public seated in the gallery and watching online.
“I don’t think we have enough information to make a permanent decision on this location,” said Councillor Skylar Franke. “I think it’s unfair to the community to take away this treasured community spot without a clear path forward.”
A motion drafted by Franke and Councillor David Ferreira called for a five-step process moving forward:
- Staff report by the end of June 2023 to the CAPS Committee to identify options/costs to potentially reopen for 2024
- Conduct thorough community engagement starting in Q2 of 2023, and provide the results to council by the end of Q3 of 2023
- Develop a comprehensive staff report to come to council in 2024 including options/costs for the future of Thames Pool if it’s rebuilt or relocated.
- After the staff report is completed, hold a public participation meeting prior to council’s decision.
- Provide a report to the CAPS Committee identifying the likely causes of the Thames Pool failure.
City staff explained that there is not enough time to reopening the pool for this summer.
Repairs could start in the fall and finish in the spring next year for a 2024 opening if it is a simple repair.
Mayor Josh Morgan said a long-term solution is needed based on the ongoing risk of future flood damage, even if the pool reopens next summer.
“Mistakes that may have been made decades and decades ago, we have to think how to rectify those under a timeline that works for the community that enjoys those,” Morgan said.
The committee backed the five-part plan.
An online petition has collected more than 3,600 signatures since launching five days ago.
The magnitude and intensity of the public response brought Morgan and 10 of council’s 15 members to the committee meeting.
City Manager Lynne Livingstone and four of her deputy city managers were also on hand to answer questions.
Council will make a final decision at its meeting on April 4.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.