TRURO - Members of the Scotia Pool Society urged Truro politicians yesterday to help them save the Bible Hill-based facility.
Glenda Bower, chairwoman of the pool society, made a presentation to Truro town council on Monday asking the town for $25,000 to go toward pool operations. The facility is facing closure after this September if not enough funding is available to keep it afloat. About 15 people were there in support of the pool.
"The failure to maintain it," said Bower, will result in many people's health and well-being to "spiral downhill ... their pain increases, they get lonely and depressed (by not being physically capable of getting out and being active). It's not a fun cycle."
Bower said while the society is happy the Rath EastLink Community Centre has opened and will provide some aquatic opportunities in the near future, the Bible Hill facility should not be sacrificed.
"I believe (Scotia Pool) can be maintained and be cohesive with the rec centre ... to share staff and resources," said Bower. "We have considerable community support ... a lot of people use it for rehab."
Bower reiterated Scotia Pool is a warm-water facility that serves the needs of people with disabilities.
"The warm-water facility demand will remain high," said Bower, adding "somebody is going to pay" whether it's to help keep the facility open or to address the increased needs in the health system when exercise/rehab facilities close.
Truro Mayor Bill Mills said the request will be considered during budget deliberations, which are now underway.
"We are under increasing pressure to provide funds," said Mills, including for the new hospital, community centre and library, to name a few.
Bower reminded council "25 per cent of users (of Scotia Pool) are from the town."
Colchester County council will take a similar request under advisement and the Village of Bible Hill is overseeing the pool's payroll and bookkeeping until the fall. The province is helping with maintenance until September and the pool society will meet with Truro Bible Hill MLA Lenore Zann this week as well as Cumberland Colchester Musquodoboit Valley MP Scott Armstrong next week.
mchiasson@trurodaily.com
