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Refund system proposed for Mount Forest users of Arthur pool

After the unexpected closure of Mount Forest's pool, staff recommend refunds at the end of the season for
20220616mfpool
Mount Forest Lion Roy Grant Pool is recommended to remain closed for the 2022 season.

WELLINGTON NORTH – Wellington North staff are recommending a rebate system for the Mount Forest residents using the pool in Arthur. 

This is in part of a council direction to staff to consider transportation options for residents in the northern part of the township impacted by the unexpected closure of the Lion Roy Grant pool in Mount Forest. 

After an opening inspection found the pool needed around $200,000 in repairs and faced with a lifeguard shortage, council directed staff to keep the pool closed — likely for good — and to refocus efforts towards installing a new one in the future. 

Staff have not recommended providing a transportation option for residents in the north part of the township but instead a “loyalty style rewards card to track attendance at the Arthur outdoor pool.” 

The report, to be considered by township council on Monday, recommends a rebate of $24 per visit based on the typical user from Mount Forest having to drive 48 km round-trip. Staff recommend capping the rebate at $500 per household. 

This option would have users pay upfront and get a rebate at the end of the pool season. 

It would only apply to residents who live in Wellington North and those living north of Sideroad 5/Line 10. 

Some transportation options are being presented, but not recommended, by staff in the report. 

Guelph Owen Sound Transportation (GOST) public transportation service is considered and is a low cost option but its schedule only aligns with afternoon swimming lessons between 4 and 6 p.m. 

The county’s ridesharing service Ridewell offers flexible pick-up and drop-off time but is the highest cost option, only takes debit and credit card, and doesn’t allow for children under 13. 

A chartered school bus would provide much of the same benefits as Ridewell without a cost to the user but also noted there are liability issues around making sure the number of users brought to Arthur are the same brought back to Mount Forest, especially children. 

A cost analysis in the report puts an estimated range of cost for the passport system between $31,000 and $65,000. 

These refunds are intended to be given out using 2022 approved operating accounts for the Lion Roy Grant pool. 

Full report can be read here starting on page 88.