After nearly 62 years in the community, the Inglewood Pool in Calgary will permanently close its doors later this year. The decision was finalized by a narrow 8-7 vote by city council. The discussion around the future of the facility has been ongoing for several years, but the city was left with little options according to Ward 9 Coun. Gian-Carlo Carra. City officials recommended accelerating the timeline to close the pool, which will now permanently shut down on December 22. This decision was made to save the city $1.4 million in immediate repair and operational costs.
Back in 2019, city council had voted to close the pool as part of budget cuts across the organization. The closure was attributed to low usage and high operational costs. However, the pool was initially set to remain open until 2027 due to a decision to fund $45 million for the expansion of the MNP Centre. The shorter timeline for closure was deemed necessary after an assessment found that repairs to the aging infrastructure and electrical system would cost $600,000 and require a closure of up to three months to complete. Several residents in the area continued to rally to save the facility, highlighting the importance of the pool to seniors, visually impaired individuals, and low-income families in the community.
During the council meeting, residents expressed their concerns about the closure of the Inglewood Pool. Fiona McKenzie led a rally to garner support for keeping the facility open, emphasizing the challenges that some community members would face if the pool closed. Several city councillors also raised concerns about the closure, questioning the decision in light of previous council choices. Ward 3 Coun. Jasmine Mian highlighted the need for proper funding for public recreation, urging her colleagues to support a forthcoming city recreation strategy. The GamePLAN Strategy, expected to be presented early next year, will guide recreation services for the next 30 years and includes a facility investment plan.
City officials assured the public that there is no imminent risk to public safety if the pool remains open. The closure of the Inglewood Pool has sparked a larger discussion on the importance of public recreation facilities and the allocation of funding for such amenities. The decision to close the facility has prompted reflections on the value of tax dollars and the impact on the community. Despite the closure of the pool, the city plans to hold a public event to celebrate the legacy of the Inglewood Pool before its doors shut for the final time later this year. The debate surrounding the closure of the pool highlights the challenges faced by cities in balancing budget constraints with the needs of the community for essential services.
