Thousands rise in defense of Happyland pool – Winnipeg Free Press

St Boniface residents are hoping a new wave of financial support can save the Happyland outdoor pool despite the city council's decision to close it.

The Friends of Happyland Park had raised more than $33,000 for the fundraiser by Friday afternoon. He aims to raise $85,000, hoping to keep the pool open for at least one more season and devote time to long-term fundraising.

“Community support (for the pool) is very strong. “There are a few people I've seen comments online that see Happyland as an important part of St. Boniface,” said Christine Trickey, a member of Communities Concerned for Liveability. fundraising.

The city plans to close Happyland this year and begin public consultations this summer on a possible new aquatics facility in St. Boniface.

Last year, the Happyland pool opened on June 30.

However, Trickey said the four- to six-kilometer catchment area and the large regional pool, which has an entry fee, is not available to low-income residents who prefer free entry to Happyland.

“(Some) people … use these pools as a way to cool off because they may not even have access to air conditioning. I think there's a certain part of the community that's missing that gets overlooked in (city) planning,” Trickey said.

He noted that there are few recreational opportunities in the area, and claims that the city suffers from low pool attendance are incorrect because low staffing levels and limited hours have artificially reduced pool attendance.

“These free pools are an absolutely necessary service,” Trickey said.

Organizers noted that if the city commits to reopening Happyland, donors have pledged another $15,000 beyond the current fundraising total.

Trickey noted that all funds raised go toward the pool, but could support other recreation in the community if the city doesn't reopen it, which is also listed on the fundraiser's website.

The city's preliminary budget proposed closing the Eldon Ross indoor pool, as well as the Happyland and Windsor Park outdoor pools. However, the amendment allowed Windsor Park to remain open through 2025 until the final budget vote. Another amendment would allow Eldon Ross to operate this summer while the city tries to sell it with the requirement that the new owner provide some public access.

Proponents of the closure say each of the aging pools will cost millions of dollars to maintain over the next decade, including $3.6 million for Happyland alone. In recent, non-pandemic years, Happyland's operation has cost the city an average of about $83,000 annually.

The council's finance chairman said he still expects a new water facility to be the best option.

“The harsh reality is that long-term restoration of the pool will cost millions. I think … the plan to build a new waterworks in the St. Boniface ward is, more importantly … the right approach,” Coon said. Jeff Browaty.

A North Kildonan councilor said the council could consider a proposal to cover the entire cost of the pool, but he expects that will not be possible.

“Nothing is off the table, but I'd like to see the money go to an appropriate regional facility, rather than fixing the style of the pool there,” he said.

Number. Evan Duncan, chairman of community services, said he doubted Happyland would open this summer, but said he was willing to hear calls to save it if the community came up with a viable plan to take over its operations.

“It's a tight timeline, but … If there's money for infrastructure, for capital, then of course (I'm) open to the conversation,” Duncan (Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood) said.

Earl of St. Boniface. Matt Allard, who tried to save the two St. B pools during the budget process, said he would help support any possible third-party effort to save Happyland.

“If someone came up with a serious proposal and could show they would have the ability to maintain and own the pool, I would put it on the board … My priority was to keep the pools open,” Allard said.

“If that doesn't happen, I'm going to be proactive about opening a new pool/aquatic center in St. Boniface and I need the support of the council to do that,” he added.

While the city plans to close Happyland this year, a spokeswoman said a demolition date has not yet been set.

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Joyanna Pursaga
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Born and raised in Winnipeg, Joyanne loves to tell the stories of this city, especially when politics are involved. Joyanna became the Winnipeg Free Press' city hall reporter in early 2020.

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