By Shane O'Neill

Neighbourhood planning meetings make waves in Ward 6

Feb 10, 2017 | 5:39 AM

Some Prince Albert residents want the city to jump right in and build a new year-round pool.

The city held its sixth neighbourhood planning meeting at Vickers Public School on Thursday evening, and recreational infrastructure, especially for youth, was one of the hot topics. New neighbourhood parks in Ward 6, as well as ideas on more disc golf courses and a new aquatics facility were all discussed by residents and city staff during the open forum.

Lori Stevenson, an ESL teacher with the YWCA, brought students from her class to learn more about their community. As a mother of a young child, recreation infrastructure is for her one the biggest issues.

“I think we need a [year-round] indoor pool,” she said after the meeting. “I have a little one who can’t go swimming at the Frank Dunn Pool because she can’t touch the bottom and keep her head up.”

Frank J. Dunn pool is only open to the public in the fall and winter months, while the city opens the pool and water park at Kinsmen Park during the summer. Over the next year, the city will replace the main pool at Kinsmen for a cost of $1 million from the civic facilities reserve.

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Blake Edwards, councillor for Ward 6, said the issue of a new, year-round aquatic facility is something he’s heard from residents already, even in his short time on council. 

“We talked about the pool that’s needed. I think that an aquatic centre is part of the community master plan and I think that’s something that would be real beneficial for the city,” he said.

But in a city which has seen regular property tax increases, big ticket items like a new aquatic facility would put additional stress on city coffers. Finding a way to balance services and costs is something Edwards is looking forward to on council.

“It effects everybody’s bottom line and it effects property taxes,” Edwards explained, “if these costs continue to go up, obviously property tax has to go up, but we all want the service.”

Beyond a new pool, residents in attendance were encouraged by the presentations and discussion.

Stevenson is optimistic about the path the city is taking going forward.

“I filled out the master plan, there’s a lot in there,” she said. “I think it’s excellent, they’re just getting all the ideas they can. It can all be good for Prince Albert.”

shane.oneill@panow.com

On Twitter: @stroneill