The Bioclean Aquatic Centre is asking the City for direction when it comes to residents using the pool.
The six lane instructional pool is used by pool user groups, recreational swimming and aquatic programs. The Centre says it is having trouble filling the public demand of when people can use the pool, as well as unequal distribution of hours between user groups.
Currently there are no opportunities for recreational swimming during prime time hours, which are Monday to Friday 6 p.m to 8 p.m. Mayor Gerald Aalbers says that they are trying to make sure the pool is used fairly by all groups.
“What we’re trying to is find a balance to ensure that all clubs are treated equally, as well as all residents. Trying to ensure that we can host a provincial meet, but also meet the needs of our community.”
If passed, a new policy will determine how lane hours will be allocated and the priority of hours for things such as special events, school bookings and private rentals. Aalbers says this policy could be used as a precedent for other recreational facilities in the City.
“When you have no policy then you make it up as you go or on the fly and adjust accordingly. History plays apart of it, but policy helps gives them some clear direction cause at the end of the day we’ll be the ones responsible to hear from tax payers, users and groups like that.”
The Aquatic Allocation Policy will continue to be discussed by Council.