With new rec complex, Lions pool might become splash pad

With new rec complex, Lions pool might become splash pad

News

By: Sandra Bolan

Bradford West Gwillimbury council has embarked on the long and arduous task of deciding which town-owned properties, buildings and parking lots it wants to retain once the new recreation complex is open.

Although the recreation complex’s programming details still need to be hammered out, it is hoped that many of the programs currently operating in buildings scattered throughout the municipality will occur under its roof.

The municipality currently owns 14 properties that house everything from children’s play groups to youth and seniors’ activities to meetings for various municipal committees.

Bradford West Gwillimbury also owns four parking lots.

Due to the vast number of properties, the town’s chief administrative officer, Jay Currier, recommended to council that each facility be studied individually, with town staff preparing a report detailing the programs held in each, the cost to operate and maintain the building, any repairs needed, the cost to re-zone the property and its market value if it were to be put up for sale.

“We should start the process for re-zoning now, because it will take a year or so,” Ward 5 Councillor Ron Simpson said.

The first two properties council has decided to study are St. Mary’s Hall and the Lions pool and its building.

A 2007 facilities committee report noted St. Mary’s Hall was in “fair”
 
condition, while the Lions pool building was in “average” condition.

“I have no problem disposing of assets and St. Mary’s Hall, but I don’t want to see it happen before we have enough space for meetings and the recreation programs,” Deputy Mayor Dennis Roughley said.

“We don’t want to sell it tomorrow and uproot the folks that are in there,” Mayor Doug White noted.

The Lions pool and its building are in rough shape, according the Mike O’Hare, Bradford West Gwillimbury’s manager of facilities, parks and cemeteries.

“Every year we do some TLC to get (the pool) open; it’s not in great condition,” he said, noting that if it is to remain open in four years’ time, major and costly repairs will be needed.

So if the pool is decommissioned, what else could the land be used for? How about a splash pad?

According to Mr. O’Hare, all the equipment for such a facility is there and in good working order; all that’s required is to backfill the pool.

“I love the idea of a splash pad,” Ward 2 Councillor James Leduc said.

“Lions Park has always been there. It’s a regional park. It still serves a great purpose in our community and I’d like it to become a splash pad if it can’t be kept open,” Mr. Roughley said.

When it comes to the building, Mr. O’Hare said it needs to stay.

“That building is the heart of all the recreation camp programs,” he said. “That building acts as a support and that splash pad would only enhance it.”

No timetable for the reports on the buildings was provided.

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