The Sundre and District Aquatic Society’s board is encouraged by initial discussions with the municipality’s administration on developing potential plans to transfer operations of the Aquaplex over to the Town of Sundre.
“We’re happy that we have had one meeting with the town’s CAO and CFO, and we look forward to more in the upcoming weeks,” said Roy Cummings, the society’s chair, during council’s Monday, June 10 meeting.
“We are here today as it is imperative that this discussion and transition process is moved forward. We don’t want to close the pool, which will be the result if we don’t work together and devise a workable solution,” Cummings said.
Debra Leslie, the society’s secretary, outlined the numerous benefits the facility offers the community, from swimming lessons and fitness programs to activities for families, seniors and even Addiction Canada recovery programs.
Leslie, the wife of Sundre's mayor, told council that the facility is fully paid for and that the municipality would not need to rehire staff for the 18 paid positions that currently exist.
The board is prepared to help guide the transition process, she said, adding the society is seeking an agreeable and amicable path forward in which the non-profit organization would continue to act as a fundraising arm for the facility.
“Other communities around us dream about having a recreational and cultural town just like ours,” she said, adding both the Town of Sundre and Mountain View County have over the years already contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Aquaplex.
“Just because the town takes over, does not mean the county will not invest in something that makes this a better place to live,” she said.
Acknowledging that pools do not have a reputation for turning a profit, she added, “Since when are towns in the business of making money?”
But the facility, which includes a fitness centre, represents an important amenity that attracts and retains families, whose spinoff economic benefit — albeit difficult to measure — is crucial, she said.
“The Aquaplex is not drowning like it was four years ago…it’s a great time for the town to take over,” she said.
Financial considerations
Leona Bennett, the board’s treasurer, offered additional insight on the facility’s finances, pointing out bills are paid in full, about $187,000 sits in the bank, and that the society and municipality both already use the same auditing firm, meaning there would be no additional cost for financial reviews.
Additionally, insurance would be more affordable for the municipality, which also already has numerous staff positions in place that could look after maintenance once brought up to speed on the pool’s operations, she said.
“It is a bit of a commitment for the town, but not a huge one,” she said.
“I know you worry about fundraising — we still want to fundraise,” she said, adding the society intends to continue helping the municipality keep the Aquaplex in the best shape possible.
“We’re not bailing on you.”
Before opening the floor to questions from council, Cummings urged elected officials to “think outside the box” in devising ways to keep the pool open while minimizing the burden on taxpayers, such as reallocating interest from surplus funds.
“You have great people with creative solutions waiting to have council’s blessings to bring these creative solutions forward,” said Cummings.
“We know that council may want a public engagement process and we welcome that.”
Coun. Cheri Funke expressed confidence most of council’s questions would be addressed during impending meetings between administration and the society’s board. Additionally, she said all of the stakeholders involved need to be consulted to ensure an informed, unbiased decision that is in the best interest of the whole community.
“It’s not just a cut-and-dry either the municipality takes over, or it’s closed,” she said, agreeing some out-of- the-box thinking will be needed to address the situation.
“I know in the past my support of the Aquaplex has been in question, but I can tell you now you have my support. But as do all of the volunteer groups in our community,” she said.
Coun. Rob Wolfe, who was not present during the first meeting, said there is no doubt council appreciates the work volunteers do at the Aquaplex, but added more facts are needed.
Timing
Coun. Richard Warnock, who during the May 27 meeting made a motion directing administration to initiate discussions with the society, hoped those conversations could occur throughout the summer to ensure due process without rushing to a decision, and wondered what kind of timeline the society had in mind.
Cummings acknowledged the municipality would be unable to have a comprehensive proposal prepared within a month, but that the society nevertheless hopes options could be presented to council sooner rather than later.
Coun. Charlene Preston, who joined the meeting by phone, expressed frustration over how the situation between council and the society had transpired in recent weeks.
“I have always supported the Aquaplex,” said Preston, adding she had been excited to join that committee.
“I do, however, have a duty as an elected official to do what is right for all of the taxpayers with fiscal responsibility in mind.”
Mayor Terry Leslie said during the course of impending conversations with the society, administration would vet which of the volunteer board’s suggestions are viable, and that the facts would surface as a result of those discussions.
“That’s not for council to debate here and now,” said the mayor, seeking input from Cummings’ impression of the initial meeting with administration.
“I went in there with the idea that it may be about a 15-minute meeting,” responded Cummings.
“As it turned out, we were in there for over two hours. I’m encouraged and hopeful that this is going to move forward.”
But that process cannot drag on for another two or three years, he stressed, suggesting a phased transfer of operations to facilitate the effort.
Coun. Paul Isaac, who apologized for being unable to attend the May 27 meeting, reminded the board’s members that progress generally takes time, especially when financial matters during challenging economic conditions are involved.
Following a few parting thoughts from the mayor, Cummings said, “This has been one of the best engagements with council that I’ve had in a long time.”
Council carried a motion to accept the presentation for information.
