Volunteers Needed!
The Mount Forest Aquatics Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee is looking for volunteers! To find out how you can help, contact Councillor Sherry Burke:
Phone: 519-323-2604
Email: sburke@wellington-north.ca
Have a question about the Mount Forest Outdoor Pool? Check out our list of Frequently Asked Questions below.
In 2018, Wellington North completed a Recreation Master Plan that recommended replacing the Lion Roy Grant Pool with a new outdoor pool potentially at the Campbell deVore Park / Mount Forest and District Sports Complex with the assistance of community fundraising. With the 2022 decision to close the Lion Roy Grant Pool, Council directed staff to proceed with a new outdoor pool at a new location east of the Mount Forest and District Sports Complex, located at 850 Princess Street.
Using the current location was not possible given the additional funds required to bring the site up to standards:
- Long closure over the pandemic, which escalated and advanced the deteriorating condition of the bath house, pool equipment and the pool liner.
- 2022 estimated cost to replacement of the pool liner ($170,000) and pool recirculation system ($20,000) plus tax.
- Engineering inspection of the concrete pool walls and any repairs prior to the installation of the new liner.
- Recaulking of the perimeter expansion joints.
- Public Health closed the pool on June 7, 2022, due to a failed inspection which included multiple deficiencies.
- Bath house did not meet Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) standards.
- Concern regarding the proximity of the pool to the municipal water well located on the property and new requirements for source water protection.
Council received the minutes of the Recreation, Parks and Leisure Committee (RPLC) that was held on April 4, 2023. At the April 17, 2023, council meeting the RPLC recommendations were approved and council direct staff to proceed with the decommissioning of the Lion Roy Grant Pool and rehabilitation of the property and for staff to seek pricing for the decommissioning and rehabilitation of the property. Pricing for the decommissioning and rehabilitation of the property were included in the 2024 Capital Budget.
The new Mount Forest Outdoor Pool is estimated to be $5.3 million based on a 2023 cost of construction estimate.
Pool construction is a special trade with a limited number of contractors to bid and complete the work. Construction costs, including materials, has inflated substantially over the last number of years.
A similar scope of project, pool and bath house, in the City of Welland was awarded in 2022 for $6.57 million with construction in 2023.
During the 2023 Budget discussions Council direction was $2.8 million be funded through municipal taxation with the remaining $2.5 million through community fundraising co-ordinated through the Mount Forest Aquatics Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee.
Small to mid-sized communities seldom have indoor pools due to the expenses to operate compared to outdoor pools. According to the Township of Wellington North's 2018 Recreation Master Plan, municipal indoor pools typically require annual subsidies ranging from $250,000 to $500,000* depending on the type of pool and the market it serves.
An alternative suggested by the public is to enclose an outdoor pool for long-term use. However, many municipalities have studied this option and found it to be neither financially nor operationally feasible.
The construction of an indoor pool would require substantial fundraising and result in a significant tax increase for residents. The Township's population and tax base cannot support these costs for an indoor pool.
*Based on data from 2018.
The average residential dwelling valued at $300,000 from MPAC assessment in Wellington North has a yearly tax increase of $60 specific to the new pool.
For homes assessed at less than $300,000, the tax increase will be less than $60 per year. For homes assessed at more than $300,000, the tax increase will be more than $60 per year.
The future home of the Mount Forest Outdoor Pool will be located on the east side of the Mount Forest and District Sports Complex, 850 Princess Street.
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Donations can be made by:
E-transfer by emailing accounting@wellington-north.com. Include "Donation to MF Aquatics" in the e-transfer message.
Cheque: Please ensure cheques are made payable to:
Township of Wellington North
Attn: Pool Fundraising
7490 Sideroad 7 W.
PO Box 125
Kenilworth, ON
N0G 2E0All donations over $25.00 are eligible to receive a tax receipt.