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After a half-century of putting its municipal swimming pool to good use, the Town of Rosemere has just received more than $1 million from the provincial government to pay for nearly $2.5 million in repairs to bring the pool up to the latest standards.
Representing Quebec Liberal Sports Minister Michelle Courchesne, David Whissell, the Quebec Liberal minister responsible for the Laurentian region in the Charest cabinet, was on hand, along with ADQ MNA for Groulx Linda Lapointe, Mayor Hélène Daneault and the members of her council, at the pool complex last Monday afternoon to explain the details.
New children's waterpark
While Quebec's share of the tab comes to $1,080,212, Rosemere must pay the rest. Apart from repairs to the main pool, a smaller wading pool for children beside it is being done away with. It is being replaced with a waterpark, using imaginatively-designed showerheads, and which many municipalities are now choosing to replace their old wading pool systems for children. "Aquatic activities are very popular here," said Whissell.
Security norms raised
"As such, the current pool, which dates from 50 or so years ago, is no longer up to security norms. The new installations will make this area more attractive, but more to the point, more secure, in addition to allowing access to persons with reduced mobility." The mayor said that upgrading the pool had been part of a list of priorities made by her administration. "Our pool is a facility that is very much used and appreciated by residents, but it was starting to show signs of fatigue, and this after 50 years of use," she said.
Works starts next fall
"This subsidy is arriving just at the right time, and will allow the work schedule to be moved ahead. In the name of the people and of the Town of Rosemere, I would like to warmly thank Michelle Courchesne, the minister of education, leisure and sports, and David Whissell, minister responsible for the region, for their important involvement in this file." The old swimming and wading pools will be open for the rest of this summer. Work on the new facilities will be starting in the fall, with completion slated for next year. "It will be completed in 2009 just before the next season," said the mayor.
ADQ's Lapointe pleased
Rosemere's pool accommodates about 12,000 swimmers each summer. "For us it's a way to support municipalities in their desire to renew or build new facilities," added Whissell. "At the same time, it's a question of health for the population. Through more sports and activities, we help reduce demand for services in the health care system." Lapointe, whose party, as official opposition, is often at odds with the Liberal government, said she was pleased. "It is a good thing," she said. "I am very proud of this. We were asking for that."
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