MOUNT FOREST – The Township of Wellington North has given an idea of when it expects Mount Forest residents to be able to dip their toes in the water again.
A report on a Wellington North council agenda stated the township expects, assuming a successful $2.5 million fundraising campaign over 18 months, the new Mount Forest pool to have its opening season in 2026.
The Lion Roy Grant Pool in Mount Forest was permanently closed before the 2022 summer season as a result of mechanical failures and was already an aging facility built in the 1950s identified as needing replacement.
Another report on the detailed design and proposed work plan has given a new cost estimate of $5.5 million, $200,000 more than was previously estimated based on the schematic design.
The new outdoor pool, located next to the Mount Forest Sportsplex, would include an accessible beach entry, lap swimming, diving tank, children’s area and spots for aquafit and swim lessons.
Also included is a new bathhouse with accessible showers and change rooms, staff and guard areas, shaded areas on the deck and spectator seating areas.
Some pool accessories and equipment are excluded from the cost estimate and operating expenses are not included either.
“It should be noted that significant risk remains related to the cost increase of this project,” the report stated. “Project cost estimates will need to be updated and reviewed as this project is delayed over multiple years prior to fundraising reaching 100 per cent of its goal and council committing the remainder contribution.”
During the 2023 budget discussion, Wellington North council had set a fundraising target of $2.5 million with the remainder of the cost being taxpayer contributions.
A report outlines an 18-month internal fundraising approach to reach that goal from July 2023 to December 2024 for council's approval. This includes hiring a fundraising coordinator, canvassing for corporate or community organization donors for “major level donations” and hosting fundraising events for smaller donations.
After a successful fundraising campaign, the report said the township expects to tender the project and have it built in 2025 and then open the pool for its inaugural season in 2026.
Future steps for council to deliberate will be the financial contribution in the 2024 and 2025 capital budget.
These reports will go forward for council’s consideration at its meeting on Tuesday.
