Editor:
Being a longtime user of the Gibsons pool I can’t help but get the feeling that the SCRD either has it in for this facility or doesn’t understand the value of recreation.
All other recreation facilities are open. A few weeks ago, Coast Reporter quoted the SCRD general manager of community development stating that the Sechelt Aquatic Centre can offer the amenities that are offered by Gibsons and that Sechelt is “well served by public transit.” I think it would be a good idea if SCRD officials took the better part of a day to ride a public bus to Sechelt from Gibsons return for the 45-minute swim that is currently offered.
Last week’s Coast Reporter article (“SCRD doesn’t budge on Gibsons pool closure”) makes it clear that the directors have no idea what it would cost to open the Gibsons pool or what has been saved (if anything) by keeping the pool closed. It seems that the idea of partially opening all pools and spreading the cost was not considered.
The reality is that our community is spread out with poor transit. Not opening the Gibsons pool means that many people cannot swim, period. Pools are not designed to make money. They are a service designed to teach an important life skill that may save a life, and provide recreation to all ages. What other facilities do this? I am concerned that if the pool does reopen in January, the hours will be cut back even more than the other pools, limiting the public’s participation in lessons (if offered) or recreation. To this end an online petition has been started: “We Want Our Pool Back.” Those interested can view and sign it at https://savegibsonspool.wixsite.com/savethepool
Steve Giltrow, Gibsons
