Regina civic union raises alarm over possible closures of inner-city swimming pools

[Oct 30, 2008 04:39 PM]

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August 19, 2008

 

 

Regina civic union raises alarm over possible closures of inner-city swimming pools

 

 

REGINA: A Regina civic union has mailed a brochure to inner-city neighbourhoods to raise awareness of the threatened closure of Dewdney and Maple Leaf outdoor swimming pools.

 

 

“Closing swimming pools, especially in low-income neighbourhoods, makes no sense,” says Tim Anderson, president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 21, which represents recreation and other city employees.  

 

Last year, the City of Regina contracted Professional Environmental Recreation Consultants Ltd. (PERC) to produce a long-term plan for the city’s recreation facilities, including outdoor swimming pools.

 

The consultant’s final report calls on the city to replace the Wascana outdoor swimming pool with a new pool right next to the current location. However, the report also says that the new Wascana pool could attract so much use from residents in the Central Zone that the Dewdney and Maple Leaf outdoor pools located there may no longer be needed.

 

While the PERC report recommends that the city carry out the necessary maintenance to increase the lifespan of the Massey and Regent outdoor pools, it suggests that Dewdney and Maple Leaf pools be replaced with spray pads.

 

But Anderson says inner-city children will have less opportunity to engage in positive recreation and fitness activities if the consultant’s recommendation is accepted by city council.

 

“Children and families in these inner-city communities can easily walk to Dewdney and Maple Leaf pools, but many families lack the means to transport their children by car or bus to Wascana pool,” he says. “Admission to Dewdney and Maple Leaf pools is also free, since they serve low-income neighbourhoods.”

Anderson said closing recreation facilities, like swimming pools, would have serious implications for the well-being of Regina residents, especially children.  

 

Statistics Canada recently reported that 21% of Saskatchewan’s adult population is obese, which is well above the national average of 16%. Studies also show that Aboriginal children and children living in low-income families face a greater risk of being overweight and obese. Inactivity and obesity increases the risk of getting chronic diseases, like Type 2 Diabetes.

 

Anderson also points out that even the consultant’s report admits the total number of swims at Regina’s five outdoor pools has increased by 40% from 2004 to 2006. The union argues that these numbers are likely to increase, as the province’s economic boom results in increased migration to Regina.

 

The city is currently developing a response to the consultant’s report. In the meantime, the union is urging concerned residents to contact their city councilor.

 

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