Dear Editor,
Yes, Barrhead needs a pool. But why are we spending $15,000,000?
Let’s make some comparisons:
Whitecourt built a $20,000,000 pool in 2010
Whitecourt has a population of 9,605 (2011) and growing at roughly 7 per cent annually.
Average age of the population is 32 years with average family income over $99,000.
The facility was sponsored by Alliance Pipeline and the Millar Family of Millar Western Forest Products.
Beaumont also built a $15,000,000 pool in 2010
Beaumont is a bedroom community to Edmonton and grew at a rate of 48 per cent since 2006.
The population is 13,284 with an average family income over $123,000.
High Prairie built a $6,000,000 pool in 2007
Their population has remained at roughly 2,600 people since 1985.
Their economy is based in Agriculture. (Sound familiar?)
Barrhead wants to build a $15,000,000 pool
Town population is 4,432 (2011) and has grown by 583 people since 1985.
Barrhead County population is 6,096 (2011) and also grew by 579 in the last 26 years.
Average family income is $65,747 (2013)
Both Beaumont and Whitecourt built their facilities, in anticipation of extreme growth.
If Barrhead continues to stay the way it has been for 30 years, how will our aging taxpayers support a $15,000,000 pool over the next five or 10 years. (As a side note, in 1985, less people lived in Beaumont than Barrhead)
Maybe the people of Barrhead could be happy with an $8,000,000 pool and fund it like this:
$4,000,000 – Taxation (Town or both Town and County)
$2,500,000 – Corporate Sponsorship
$1,000,000 – Temporary Re-direction of Funds within the 2014 Budget
$500,000 – Public Fund Raising
1. With so many recent government scandals at all levels, I think the people of Barrhead should be assured that our Town Councils and Managers are spending our tax dollars in a wise and prudent manner. With that assurance, a small tax increase would probably fly.
2. There are enough construction companies, realtors, dealerships, grocery stores, etc. that have prospered on account of Barrhead folks. I am certain those companies would want to show their thanks, and support the community that supports them.
3. Why not temporarily redirect funds from other capital projects or operating budgets? For example, instead of building a $150,000 hose tower, redirect it to the Pool Fund and give Fire Services free admission to the pool for their cardio workout. Post-pone hiring a Deputy Fire Chief at $90,000 per year. Postpone buying a new vehicle for the Peace Officer. Just a few suggestions that might inspire our Public Officials to join in the effort.
Several individuals have already started fundraising for the Pool, without any prompting. Bravo and thank you! If we set a target and all work together, we could certainly build a pool and our community spirit along the way.
Colleen Stein
