Staying afloat: Community group raises thousands in bid to keep public pool open
A community group has managed to raise over $70,000 in a bid to keep a public pool - destined for closure by the City of Winnipeg - afloat.
The city’s four-year budget earmarked closing the aging Happyland Pool in St. Boniface due to costly required repairs.
Since that decision, Friends of Happyland Pool, have been raising awareness - and capital - in order to save the outdoor pool.
In a submission made at a Riel community committee meeting on Tuesday, Teresa Cwik, from Friends of Happyland Pool, announced the results of the campaign.
“The community has been able to raise most of the funds needed,” said Cwik.
The cost of operating the pool is estimated to be around $80,000 to $85,000, a goal the organization believes it can hit.
“Our group has managed to raise $70,848.50 in less than a month to give to the city, and we are confident we’ll be able to raise the amount needed and more,” said Cwik.
She said the group has been in contact with organizations that may be willing to operate the pool in the future, but it can only work so fast in terms of getting things ready for this season.
“We would need the city to operate the pool this year as we are running out of time to put together a plan for this year,” said Cwik.
According to the group, keeping the pool open this year is also a win-win for everyone.
“By reviewing and accepting this proposal the city would have nothing to lose, and much to gain, by providing the community with a safe place to enjoy the summer. This would be both a benefit to the city and the community,” said Cwik.
Friends of Happyland said it’s also been told by St. Bonifice MLA Robert Loiselle, that it will likely qualify for up to $50,000 in funding through a new provincial grant which focuses on the revitalization of high-needs neighborhoods throughout Manitoba.
Cwik told the committee the program for the Winnipeg area is expected to be announced on Monday.
Meantime, councillors Matt Allard and Brian Mayes passed a motion to have the community services committee consider continue operating the pool this summer in light of the fundraising efforts, and the possible provincial grant.
“I’ve rarely seen this much citizen involvement on an issue here over 12 years,” said Mayes.
The community services committee is expected to meet again next week.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Woman with liver failure rejected for a transplant after medical review highlights alcohol use
For nearly three months, Amanda Huska has been in an Ontario hospital, part of it on life support, because of severe liver failure. Her history of alcohol use is getting in the way of her only potential treatment: a liver transplant.
Banking mogul suing government after intelligence leaks leave him shut out of Canadian economy
Chinese Canadian banking mogul Shenglin Xian has launched a $300 million lawsuit against the federal government. It’s a means to find the source of intelligence leaks which Xian says has cost him his livelihood.
Jesus is their savior, Trump is their candidate. Ex-president's backers say he shares faith, values
As Donald Trump increasingly infuses his campaign with Christian trappings while coasting to a third Republican presidential nomination, his support is as strong as ever among evangelicals and other conservative Christians.
B.C. man 'attacked suddenly' by adult grizzly near Alberta boundary: RCMP
A B.C. man is recovering from multiple injuries after he was "attacked suddenly" by an adult grizzly bear near Elkford Thursday afternoon.
Truck engulfed in flames with owner on scene in Scarborough
A truck was engulfed in flames in the early hours in Scarborough on Saturday.
$500K-worth of elvers seized at Toronto airport
Fishery and border service officers seized more than 100 kilograms of unauthorized elvers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on Wednesday.
Aid from new pier off Gaza should be distributed this weekend, while pressure grows on Netanyahu
The first distribution of badly needed aid is expected to begin this weekend after rolling off a newly built U.S. pier off the coast of Gaza, even as aid workers warn much more access is needed to the besieged territory where famine might be under way.
Box tree moths have infested Ontario and experts say more are coming. Here's what to do to protect your garden
An invasive moth species is on the rise in Canada and, if you've planted a certain shrub, it could stand to ruin your garden.
To plant or not to plant? Gardening tips for May long weekend
May long weekend is finally here, and with the extra time off you may be getting the itch to head out to your garden and plant. However, the old debate whether you should plant now, or wait, is still ever-present.