Pool not on city’s radar, rep for swim clubs told

A pitch for an outdoor 50-metre pool received a polite but noncommittal reception from West Kelowna city councillors.

Council took no action Tuesday after hearing the presentation from Amber Piche on behalf of two swimming clubs.

“I do think it is provocative and it gets us thinking,” said Mayor Doug Findlater, before adding the feasibility of such a project would have to be discussed in the future as part of a broader discussion about the city’s recreational objectives and strategic goals.

Current city plans don’t include any reference to construction of an outdoor pool, though improvements to the existing JohnsonBentley Memorial Aquatic Centre are envisioned, council heard from staff.

“We have many, many things on the go right now,” Coun. Carol Zanon said after hearing Piche’s presentation. “I hadn’t thought of this too seriously before your presentation, but there’s nothing wrong with dreaming, and sometimes dreams come true.”

Coun. Rosalind Neis suggested the city was “broke” and unlikely to come up with the money needed to build an outdoor 50-metre pool any time soon.

“I don’t want to be negative but I do want to be honest and truthful,” Neis said. “If this happened in 15 years, I would be thrilled. I’m just not sure we can swing it financially.”

“This is an ambitious proposal and a tough one to swing,” Coun. Bryden Winsby said.

In the short term, Coun. Rusty Ensign suggested Piche and other proponents of a 50-metre pool set up a non-profit society and begin fundraising toward such a facility.

A well-supported fundraising drive, Ensign suggested, might convince council to begin setting aside public money for a new outdoor pool.

Swim fans believe a 50-metre pool would be a significant economic and tourist draw for West Kelowna.