BIBLE HILL - Marg MacQuarrie has seen first-hand her health improve thanks to the Scotia Pool.
The 67-year-old Bible Hill resident uses the pool, which is located in the AgriTech Park, three times a week as cardio rehab since having a heart attack and to help strengthen her leg after breaking it.
"I'm off of a lot of my medication partly thanks to the pool," said MacQuarrie during a peaceful protest on Pictou Road Thursday afternoon.
About 75 people gathered in front of the RCMP from 4 to 6 p.m. with signs and loud voices urging motorists and pedestrians to help them save the pool. It will operate with municipal and provincial support until the fall but supporters are hoping the various levels of government will give money to help keep the warm-water pool in operation past September.
While motorists consistently waved, beeped their horns and gave a thumbs up to the peaceful protesters, event participants said they hope for even more. They are encouraging the community to call, visit and email local politicians, telling them the pool is supported by the community and is needed.
"I think this will definitely work. We have to try," said MacQuarrie. "The (Rath EastLink Community Centre) is not warm enough and not big enough."
Greenfield's Mary Thomson, 69, also participated in the protest. She uses the pool multiple times a week for aquasize and to help a neck injury.
"Coming to the pool is the only thing that helps," said Thomson. "I'm really pleased to see the turnout (at the protest) and all the honking. I want people to also call or email county council and to expect council to support us. It's not a lot to ask council in the full scheme of things."
Glenda Bower, co-ordinator of the Scotia Pool Users Group, agreed that politicians need to step up.
"Colchester County council needs to know they are ignoring seniors and people with chronic pain. They deserve the pool. If we can't get attention in a less public way then this is what we will do. If it doesn't make a difference then we will know council is not listening."
Bower said the amount of community support for the pool is astounding.
"It's incredible ... people are beeping and waving and giving us thumbs up. They believe in us and know it's the right thing to do."
Valley's Joel Cox believes there is no other option than to save the pool.
"The distance (of the pool) is one thing, the water is warm and it's a community thing where you meet lots of people. I wouldn't go to the one over (in Truro). Once (Scotia Pool) goes, we will never get it back," said Cox.
A few politicians attended the protest as well, including county Coun. Christine Blair.
"It's not a done deal," said Blair, referring to the fact that county council will discuss the issue again on Monday and possibly Tuesday.
Blair was impressed with the protest.
"This tells me what people of the community want ... to keep this pool."
Donna von Kroonenburg, deputy chairwoman for the Village of Bible Hill, said there is always hope.
"I don't think it's too late," to save the facility, von Kroonenburg said.
mchiasson@trurodaily.com
Twitter: tdnMonique
