Save the Pool Brennan Finley Renate Hodges Bill Wiley Donna Ford Julie Bayza Maureen Poynton Ken Draayer Alex Acs Pat Legault Bill & Elaine Passfield

Our Goal To keep the city pool at West Park open

Support St. Andrews Ward Councillors The West St. Catharines Business Association Individual businesses … AND 3050 PEOPLE ON OUR PETITION!

The school issue We are neutral on the issue of the school review.

Pool History Built as outdoor pool in 1967 Enclosed in 1973 City / DSBN collaboration to 1996 when the city assumed full responsibility 2003 Architectural report: $1.35M to refurbish the “envelope” 2006 Community Consultation 2008 planning and design for Kiwanis Centre

Step One Let’s establish NEED.

Usage Winter public swim usage in 2011 was double that of Total 2011 winter pool use was up 11% over Total 2011 spring usage was up 21% over Total 2001 fall usage was up 40% over Parks and Rec statistics

Expressed Community Need (2006 Community Consultation Program) Swimming was one of top five activities Indoor pools among the top five “new facilities wanted” Swimming second only to walking as preferred activity

Swimming and Skating 54% of households participate in swimming (31% in ice sports) Swimming is the #2 activity for households (Skating #6) (Public Consultation, 2006)

Council Jan 14, 2008 “Participants [in 2006 consultation] also indicated there is sufficient demand for more than one municipal pool, and that planning for repair or construction of facilities should begin as soon as possible…” (Jan 14, 2008 City Council minutes)

We lag behind “Early in 2008 city staff surveyed Ontario communities and found St. Catharines “provided the least number of indoor [aquatic] facilities” Jan 14, 2008 Council minutes

Comparative Stats Municipality# of indoor pools 2006 population Citizens per pool Guelph3120,00040,000 Hamilton17692,00040,705 Burlington4164,00041,000 Kitchener4204,66851,167 Mississauga11688,00062,545 St. Catharines1131,000 St. Catharines offers about 1/3 the opportunity for aquatics as other communities. To compare, we should have three aquatic facilities.

Regional picture “Aside from West Park Pool, Centennial Pool in Port Colborne is the only other municipally owned and operated indoor aquatics facility in the Niagara Region.” The considerable absence of municipal indoor pools suggest a role for the City of St. Catharines in a regional service delivery model.” Council minutes, Jan 14,2008

Alternative Pools? Alternative?Guarded to a Standard? Fees / Membershi ps Open for public use BrockYesYes (and parking) Partial RidleyNo YMCAYesFees/member ships for multi-use no Hotel PoolsNoFeesLimited – and not for “lane” use Fitness CentresNoMembershipsno

Comparing the Alternatives (2008 report to council) Brock gives preference to staff and students Fitness clubs - memberships and fees Hotel pools - normally restricted to guest use Ridley - for staff and students YMCA – annual membership required

The Need is there Next Step?

…with your permission Moved that: City council be asked to extend the operation of the Pool at West Park until the school board has decided on the program and facility at West Park School.