As the recreation plan points out, the community has an interesting problem. The majority of its facilities were built in the 1960’s and are therefore beginning to show their age. As Heide said, there was a need to start planning for the future. The recreation redevelopment plan, completed by HTFC Planning, was done to create a long-range master plan for municipal recreation grounds and related facilities.
Number one on the list is a new swimming pool. As Heide stated, the pool is mandated to close by the end of the 2022 season. Among other problems, the pool has been leaking for many years and has safety hazards due to shifting ground. The time has come for a replacement.
“The community absolutely needs a pool. In the review, we found 350-odd kids took lessons last year. That’s a huge option we can offer the community and our kids. So we got going on this new pool. The pool is 60-some years old, it is ancient and outdated. It doesn’t owe us anything.”
Work will begin on the new pool this year, in the area close to the existing one on the northwest side of Boissevain. It will be an all-ability accessible pool.
Heide said the good news is the municipality has done good work on their financials over the last few years, so they can fund their end from their reserves, which he said is very important.
“By not borrowing, we can save over $900,000 in interest,” he explained. “That’s huge, a big bonus.”
They have also applied for a number of grants, including $300,000 through Building Sustainable Communities, which should help out. At any rate, they are looking to pay for the project over two years. The projected cost for the new pool is $2.2 million.
Some of the proposed features of the facility are a beach entry, splash features, mini lazy river, water slides and rock climbing wall. According to the anticipated timeline, the planning and design phase will start in May, with construction to begin in August as the older pool is ending its season. The idea is contractors can work on the facility over the winter with all of the work done by summer, and grand opening in August of 2023. There would be a period that summer where there will be no swimming in Boissevain.
Heide said all of the mechanicals for the pool must be changed, but they can retrofit the existing change room building for accessibility.
“It’s accessible to all ages, there could be lap swimming, and it could enhance lessons. It is a good size, bigger than what we have. It would be great for the community, it’s huge.”
There will be one site lost in the neighbouring campground, however, there are plans for 14 new campsites in the future, with a modern playground as a part of the rec plan.
Although the pool is the top and most immediate priority, the municipality is also looking to replace the old arena. Boissevain-Morton has chosen the site, on the corner of South Railway and Egan Street on the far east side of town. At the open house, there were a couple of very preliminary designs – one with a skating rink and walking track, and one with a multi-purpose hall added. Heide said they are in the very earliest stages, so there is no definite cost, plan or timeline for the project.
“Nothing is written down or secured yet, but we are working hard on it. The fundraising committee is getting going, and we’re looking to the future.”
Those attending the open house were asked to fill out a survey on rec plans. They were asked their thoughts on new pool and arena amenities, usage of facilities and their opinions of the rec plan. The public has until the end of the month to send surveys in.
When asked what he wanted to see come out of the open house, Heide said they wanted to connect with the community.
“Awareness, feedback,” he said. “We need people’s opinions. We can’t go into an idea without public feedback. That’s what it’s all about.”
by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff