Dear Editor,
It is with great sadness that I write this letter. It was approximately seven years ago that I wrote a similar letter to the editor which was published in the Leader. That letter outlined the numerous issues and deficiencies faced by the Barrhead Kinsmen Aquatic Centre at that time, issues such as major problems with the boiler and heating system, mold growing in the roof, filtration problems, and a leaking roof. Since then the pool has seen some minor cosmetic repairs, but these were basically just Band-Aids and obviously nothing to rectify any of the problems.
Having sat on the Recreation Board for two terms, I have seen firsthand how both the Town and the County’s inactivity and unwillingness to recognize the problem has led to this very sad state of affairs. Cost projections for a new pool proposed in 2006 were in the 5 to 7 million dollar range. A pool which our community could have been proud of and could have easily paid for, but we chose to drag our heals due to the high costs. Unfortunately, over the years this cost has increased significantly to where it stands today. Both the Town Recreation Board and the Agrena Society have worked hard to promote a new pool over the years, finally the Town of Barrhead came on board realizing the importance of an aquatic centre for its citizens and potential citizens, but the County continued to be reluctant. That brings us to today, the pool being closed permanently due to safety issues, projected replacement costs at 17 million dollars, a number of people out of work, no more public swimming, no more swimming lessons, no more school programs, no more swim club, no more future lifeguards, no more fitness swimming, no more Nordic Chill Swim Meet, no more Queen of Hearts Triathlon, just a condemned building. How did this come about, a town facility that has to be closed due to health and safety issues. We are as bad as the “crazy cat lady” who is forced from her home due to health and safety issues. How could a town let something go so far. Now with no pool people will have to go elsewhere to swim, it’s really not a big deal to drive 30 to 45 minutes for that, but guess what these same people will now shop where ever they are, do other business there after swimming, and maybe just decide to live there and commute to Barhead to work instead. Without a pool there really isn’t a lot to attract young families. Sadly Barrhead is a senior’s town and even more sadly seniors age and die and so may Barrhead.
Renee Hartel-Mohrmann
