Those looking to refresh themselves with a dive into a brand new pool in Athabasca shouldn’t grab their swim trunks just yet.
The process of replacing the aging Athabasca Landing Pool with a new facility got a jolt last week when Athabasca town council committed to $5 million of funding for the project. The town will partner with Athabasca County to bring the project to fruition.
But while the commitment of money is a step towards the finish line, there is still a lot of work to come, and many decisions that still need to be made.
Perhaps most important of all is the question of where a new pool will be located. The obvious answer may be near or adjoining the Athabasca Regional Multiplex, but many residents are vocal in their belief that the complex is too out of the way, and that moving the pool, library or even a new school there would be unwise.
Also, the town’s commitment of funding does not equate to a withdrawal of funds and purchase of building supplies. Nobody will be putting a shovel into the ground any time soon. The county and the town must establish the best way to proceed.
Both must do more than dip a toe into the water before residents can do the same.
