MOUNT FOREST – The opening of the new outdoor pool in Mount Forest has been pushed back another year even as community fundraising efforts are set to begin.
While a report presented to Wellington North council last October previously said the pool's opening season was anticipated for 2026 assuming a successful 18-month fundraising campaign, an update being presented to the Mount Forest Aquatics Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee Tuesday evening says a 2027 date is more likely.
According to the timeline currently included in the report, the pool's tender is to be issued in the summer or fall of 2025 with construction anticipated to commence and be completed within 2026.
However, this is dependent on when the group achieves 80 per cent of its $2.5 million fundraising goal as that's when a construction design package is recommended to be completed. Council will also get an updated cost estimate at this time and is expected to consider increasing the project's budget.
With the current cost estimate for the new outdoor pool currently sitting at $5.4 million, the group has fundraised approximately $15,400 so far, up from $13,600 last October.
As determined during 2023 budget discussions, the remaining funds will be covered by taxpayer contributions which are anticipated to be $60 per year based on a $300,000 home.
In terms of grants, staff has applied for the Hydro One Grant, which has a maximum grant of $25,000 and should have a decision within the next six months.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation was also researched but staff determined this grant would be more beneficial in one to two years as the funds received need to be spent within 12 months and the committee is not currently eligible.
CW Community Foundation, Bruce Power, United Way, and Canada Post are all possible grants staff plan on investigating.
To share parking with its neighbour the Mount Forest & District Sports Complex, the future home of the new outdoor pool will be at 850 Princess Street and will 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 lifeguard 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.
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
