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Failing subtrade jeopardizes new pool opening

TREENA MIELKE/Rimbey Review

Rimbey residents may continue to swim at the Best Western Hotel pool this year, but it is quite likely they won’t be able to test the waters of the new town pool until next year.

At its regular meeting, May 25 council, after learning the town pool may not open until next year, agreed to renew its pool agreement with the Best Western Hotel until Dec. 31 with the option of extending the usage from January to May 31, 2012.

Rimbey CAO Tony Goode told council that the reason the completion of the pool is so far behind schedule is that one of the subtrades is experiencing financial difficulties.

Goode, who didn’t wish to name the subtrade, said the delay means the pool may not open this year.

“I don’t believe it to be realistic to believe that we will be in a position to open the pool this year. It’s unfortunate the way it turned out, but that’s just the way it is. I don’t think it will be worthwhile to have it open for three or four weeks.”

While council is faced with the inevitable delay, they did not completely veto the idea of a late summer opening.

“I still think there might be some value to have it open even if it’s only for three or four weeks,” said Coun. Paul Payton.

Council complied with Mayor Sheldon Ibbotson’s request that a clause be added to the agreement with Best Western Hotel that the agreement could be suspended temporarily if the municipal pool should open this year.

Stan Cummings from Best Western Hotel, who was at the council meeting, said he understood delays that are often experienced when constructing a pool.

“I have built pools myself” he said. “I don’t want to be in competition with your pool and I am sorry to hear about the problems.”

However, Cummings said he did not believe the pool would be open this year.

“As a builder I highly recommend that you don’t expect to have it open by Sept. 1.”

Judy Kemmis, who attended the council meeting, said 175 people have signed a petition encouraging council to keep its agreement going with Best Western allowing the public to use the pool.

Kemmis pointed out that the people who come to Rimbey to use the pool benefit the town because they may buy groceries and gasoline here.

“Whenever I went to Sylvan to use their pool I would buy groceries and fill up with gas,’ she said.

After the meeting Mayor Ibbotson said council will consider extending the agreement with Best Western in the new year.

“It certainly is a consideration. The whole purpose is to give people a place to swim and the usage is obviously increasing.”