Editor:
As a user of both the Gibsons pool and the Aquatic Centre in Sechelt on an average of three times per week in better times, I find it amazing that the SCRD deprives the citizens of Gibsons the use of one of our best fitness facilities for those who need it most. While I certainly acknowledge the better facilities of the Aquatic Centre, the half hour drive each way on a busy highway is greatly offset by the walking distance to the Gibsons pool that some of us enjoy. As a user of both these facilities for 10 years now, I cannot understand the folly of those in SCRD management even proposing not opening this pool. It is obvious that if the closure continues, the next step will be a permanent “cost saving” stance. If any one of them actually did a site visit during aquatic sessions they would quickly see the value to the Gibsons seniors and their health and fitness which comes from this water activity.
Ten years ago, one of the factors that aided my decision to retire to a community focused on seniors, was the Gibsons pool. I also believed that the benefits of proper gas pricing, adequate ferry service and low-density housing following official community planning, would make this an ideal choice. As each month passes, more unrealistic decisions creep into Sunshine Coast government and less and less emphasis is placed on the quality of life of the seniors who have come here to the perceived promise of that. Maybe it is time for the Town of Gibsons to take the pool back as a step in the right direction.
William Thompson, Gibsons
