The original pool was built in the late 1950’s. There was an addition to the pool and upgrades made in 1967 with the assistance of funding provided by the Mount Forest Lions Club.
The pool and bathhouse have surpassed their functional lifespan.
In January of 2016, concerns about the Mount Forest Lion Roy Grant Pool were reported on, primarily the condition, engineering concerns, and repairs that were required. Discussions began in April of 2016 about rebuilding the pool in an alternate location.
As part of the 2018 Recreation Master Plan, recommendation 36 provides the following: Replace the Lion Roy Grant Pool with a new outdoor pool in Mount Forest, potentially at the Campbell deVore Park / Mount Forest & District Sports Complex, with the assistance of community fundraising.
Further to the Recreation Master Plan recommendation, at the March 11, 2019 meeting of Council, the following resolution was carried: THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Wellington North approve the location for the new Mount Forest Pool as east of the Mount Forest and District Sports Complex, off Princess Street, as outlined on the attached aerial image. CARRIED
In 2021, at the March 8, 2021, meeting of Council, Council received the minutes of the March 2nd, 2021 of the Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Committee which included; THAT Council of the Corporation of the Township of Wellington North direct staff to proceed with a request for proposal for the design of the Mount Forest Outdoor Pool as recommended by the Recreation, Parks and Leisure Committee.
The existing pool cannot pass a public health inspection, it would require a rebuild and update to the machinery. On June 7, 2022, Wellington-Dufferin Guelph Public Health conducted an inspection of the Mount Forest outdoor pool. During this inspection 3 major violations were reported, resulting in a high risk rating. These infractions were:
1. General Area - Deck and walls maintained in a sanitary condition and free from potential hazards [Sec. 6(6)]
- Public Health advises pool not to open until a structural assess of the integrity of pool under and behind liner to assess safety concerns of pool structure.
- Maintain wall surfaces free from potential hazards
- Remove hazards immediately
2. General Area - Pool deck, sanitary facilities, dressing and locker rooms, water closets, showers and adjoining areas kept in a safe and sanitary condition [Sec. 11(1)]
- Maintain pool and deck free from hazardous obstructions
3. Operation / Circulation - All components of the pool are maintained in proper working order [Sec. 6(3) and Sec. 6(6)]*
- PHI noted past problems with return skimmers in shallow end which adversely affects the turnover rate and filtration of the shallow area of the pool.
- Confirmation must be provided to indicate that water volume of pool is turned over 4 x every 24 hrs. in all parts of the pool.
- Ensure the recirculation system is maintained in good working order
- Ensure the pool is treated with chlorine, a chlorine compound or a bromine compound by means of a chemical feeder, and is maintained so that the minimum water chemistry requirements are met in every part of the pool at all times during the daily use period [Sec. 7(8)]
*- Item 3 cannot be tested until the pool liner is repaired.
Requirements for municipal buildings to adhere to accessibility standards would have made the building at the old pool unusable by 2024. The building would have had to be torn down and rebuilt.
There is no parking available at the old site. It is also located between two busy highways, Highway 6 and Highway 89, which could pose a safety risk for young patrons.