Good Morning,
Thank you for your support, we are over 1600 signatures and growing.
A reminder that the public budget meeting for Pembroke is tonight starting at 6:00pm at the Clarion Hotel, 900 Pembroke Street East. Please attend if you are able.
I just wanted to point out an important article to anyone who may have missed it. Pembroke Observer & News published a story by Anthony Dixon on January 8, 2024.
In the article and important point was mentioned.
"In summary, for between $1.1M and $1.9M, the Kinsmen Pool could be made safe, have its life extended for decades, barring other failures, and remain open following the replacement of the structure while council decides on how it wants to proceed in developing a new pool or multi-sport complex. Instead, council decided to save the million dollar repair expenses plus the pool’s annual operating costs while it explores P3 possibilities. Should no developer be interested in developing a P3 recreation project in Pembroke or a feasible deal not be reached, council could decide down the road to proceed with the repairs and reopen the Kinsmen Pool."
"During the December meetings, council was told that replacing the existing pool’s walls and roof with a new metal structure would cost about $1.1M, but would extend the pool’s life by 20 to 25 years. Adding an HVAC and dehumidification system for an extra $800,000 could further prolong its lifespan to 40-50 years. However, this only addresses the pool’s exterior, not its internal components. Notably, some internal parts, like the pool pump and a boiler, have recently been replaced."
This is exactly the decision we are looking to reverse tonight. We are hopeful Pembroke will reconsider their decision to close the pool and invest $1.3Million in the existing pool while a new facility is being built. Many options are left to be discussed on how to further reduce these costs so that the community can have a pool to use for the foreseeable future as no plans or date have been set for a new facility to open.
"At the budget meeting, Councillor Andrew Plummer made the motion to close the Kinsmen Pool which was seconded by Coun. Troy Purcell. After discussion, Pembroke Mayor Ron Gervais called for a recorded vote. Voting in favour of closing the pool was Deputy Mayor Brian Abdallah, Plummer, Purcell, Coun. Ed Jacyno, Coun. Ian Kuehl, and Coun. Pat Lafreniere. Mayor Gervais was the only member to vote against closure of the pool."