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Good money after bad with outdoor pool

Dear Editor:

I was just reading about the news of the funding received for the pool. Wow. Great news, but since that $2.25 million budget is for a pool that will only be available in the summer months in a province that has available swimming weather for approximately four of the 12 months in a year, I just am not that excited.

Perhaps MP Blaine Calkins’ statement: “This is truly great news, outdoor pools are becoming an increasing rarity” is something we should question.

Do you wonder why outdoor pools in Alberta are an increasing rarity?

I am in agreement with the people who have expressed concern for this new venture. I believe as well that a family wishing to move to a new community looks at available activities in that town for their recreational activities. Thank goodness we have an arena and a well-supported demolition track. It seems that our small community has funds available to run a large community centre and staff it as well (which I'm told loses money every year) but when it comes to the decision-making process for the future of other recreational activities for families, well it just too expensive.

I'm sure swimming and other activities a pool could offer would be used by our elderly. I heard Rimbey can boast about our care of the aged and we have a large population of elderly; not to mention possible swim meets and income from visiting families in our surrounding rural communities could bring. What about programs for our schools? Our preschools are filled to capacity, a growing community of children that have families no doubt but let’s send everyone who enjoys a family swim with their kids to another community in our long winter months.

No one said we need to build the fanciest pool in the west, just something that would serve our community and encourage people to think of Rimbey as a place to raise their families.

I suppose all the arguments have been made and it will just go ahead as planned but again it seems like a big fat waste of money.

Mariann Valstar