A look at Shellbrook’s current outdoor swimming pool. (Facebook)

By Nigel Maxwell

Recreation

Pool discussions in Shellbrook move to next level

Mar 22, 2022 | 5:00 PM

Discussions surrounding a new outdoor pool in the Town of Shellbrook are moving to the next level with the hiring of a company to conduct a feasibility study.

AODBT Architecture and Interior Design, based in Prince Albert, was officially hired this week to conduct the study, following approval from town council. The cost for the study is $32,000 and Mayor Amund Otterson told paNOW it will, among other things, look at what the town currently has, what the current costs are, and what savings could come from a new pool.

“The study will be finished in July,” he said.

The towns current pool is over 50 years old, and while Otterson acknowledged it serves the town fairly well, he also explained the liner has to be changed every five years.

“We have to deal with groundwater issues in that particular spot and so we have to figure out whether that location is good,” he said, adding the town does have three other alternatives so is not hurting for a place to put a new pool.

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While talk about a new facility has been ongoing for years, discussions only became more serious last summer with the establishment of a steering committee. Noting how the committee is comprised of business people, community members, town councillors, and young mothers, Otterson said there was no trouble finding volunteers and he feels the new pool would be just as well used.

“We found out we put as many people through swimming lessons as participate at the rec centre in swimming and hockey,” he said.

The decision to build a new pool won’t come without public feedback. In addition to the feasibility study, Otterson explained a public ratepayers meeting has been planned for April 12. The town has also launched a survey to do with towns strategic plan and does reference what someone would like to see in recreation and what needs to be improved.

Recalling a conversation he had recently with someone from Shell Lake, Otterson said it was explained to him they bring their family into town for swimming lessons, all while their own community is located right beside a lake and outdoor swimming lessons are offered there.

“They prefer the pool and the kind of direct instruction they get here,” Otterson said.

Otterson added the current pool brings people to town, who stay and camp while their children attend lessons. Those same people also make use of the golf course and shop in the town. Following the completion of the feasibility study, Otterson said the town will make a decision then whether to proceed.

“Then we will select a site and a contractor and I suspect the construction would happen in the summer of 2023,” he said.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell