Windsor's City Council agreed to rebuild the public pool in Lanspeary Park, but councillors also want it back in service in time for next summer.
Council's vote was unanimous. It will be done in three phases. The pool and a new liner will be installed as soon as possible. The building housing washrooms, change rooms, and mechanical equipment, would be replaced in phase two. Other amenities, like a possible slide, beach entry, and shade structures, would be included in phase three.
Ward 4 Councillor Chris Holt pushed to get public feedback on those features at the same time as existing public consultations on redeveloping the rest of Lanspeary Park, and the rest of council agreed.
Ward 3's Rino Bortolin isn't surprised councillors saw the urgency in getting the pool done without delay.
"It gets a little interesting when we lead into election time, right? This is a cherished neighbourhood amenity, so to quibble over pricing or cost is not a good look for somebody going into an election, even if it's not in their ward."
He believes closing the pool at Windsor Water World in his ward was a big mistake, but councillors have learned.
"The number one thing I hear about when I walk into that neighbourhood and ask what we could do is reopen the pool," said Bortolin.
The pool in Lanspeary Park is 72 years old, has undergone a number of repairs over the years, and no longer meets the Ontario Building Code or Ministry of Health standards. Despite that, Bortolin said it is a much-loved amenity in that neighbourhood.
"I grew up in that neighbourhood. I used that pool every summer. There were lineups around the building pretty much all summer long. To me, this was a no-brainer," he said. "In the short summer season, we're looking at well over 5,000 users. Compared to some of the other amenities we have, that's one of the highest used."
The pool didn't open this summer. A report to councillors said it wasn't possible in its current condition.
