After 62 years in the community, the Inglewood Pool in Calgary will be permanently closing later this year. City council made the final decision in a narrow 8-7 vote, with residents in the area rallying to save the facility. The closure was recommended by administration due to low usage, high operational costs, and potential safety concerns. The pool will now shut down on December 22, saving the city $1.4 million in immediate repair and operational costs.
The discussions around the future of the pool have been ongoing for several years, with the city left with few options. City officials had initially planned to keep the Inglewood Pool open until 2027, as part of funding for upgrades to the MNP Centre. However, an assessment found that repairs to the aging infrastructure would cost $600,000 and require a three-month closure of the facility. Despite efforts by residents and councillors to save the pool, the decision to close was finalized in order to save money and address long-term operational challenges.
During the council meeting, residents shared their concerns about the closure, citing the importance of the pool to various groups in the community. Seniors, visually impaired individuals, and low-income families rely on the facility for aqua fitness classes and recreational activities. Councillors raised questions about previous decisions made by the council and expressed concerns about the impact of the closure on the community. Ultimately, the vote to close the facility was swayed by the lack of imminent safety concerns if the pool remained open.
Ward 3 Coun. Jasmine Mian highlighted the need for a comprehensive city recreation strategy to address the current crisis in public recreation. She urged her colleagues to properly fund the upcoming GamePLAN Strategy, which will guide recreation services for the next 30 years. The strategy includes a facility investment plan and is expected to be presented to council early next year. Mian emphasized the importance of supporting recreational facilities while also prioritizing lower property taxes, acknowledging the challenges faced by the city in balancing these priorities.
As the city prepares to bid farewell to the Inglewood Pool, there will be a public event to celebrate the legacy of the facility before its closure. The decision to close the pool reflects a broader conversation about the challenges faced by the city in maintaining and funding recreation facilities. While the closure may save money in the short term, it also raises questions about the long-term impact on residents who rely on these facilities for their well-being and community connections. Moving forward, the city will need to carefully consider how to balance financial constraints with the need to provide accessible and inclusive recreational opportunities for all residents.
