I read with disbelief last week on the RDN website the recommendations from the directors regarding options to upgrade Ravensong pool. Despite strong support from the community in the survey last year, it appears the RDN is now looking at doing a costly Band-Aid fix.
I became involved nearly 10 years ago with a group of people lobbying for urgent upgrades needed to Ravensong pool. The numerous needs included: overcrowded aquacize classes, not nearly enough swim lanes, no regulation-sized pool for swim groups, undersized change rooms for women, families and staff.
The facility has 95 per cent of capacity use, according to stats. This is overall, not at peak times.
A group of us worked with the RDN directors for two or more years and agreed on a plan to upgrade the pool. Money was set aside and we thought work was going to begin at any time. Wrong! Quit complaining and something else becomes a more important need. Now we are looking at three more proposals – all of which fall far short of the community’s needs. And, get this, one option involving expansion to the existing tank will mean the closure of the pool for one year! Totally not acceptable.
We need a new tank adjoining the existing one, full stop. Many of the facilities would be shared, reducing the costs compared to a totally separate pool. It makes sense to have a new, adjoining regulation-size pool, rather than upgrade an older tank which is not nearly large enough anyway. Expensive? Yes. But it is the only way to go. It will be a drawing card for families considering moving here and provide a wonderful fitness facility for this very active and fitness-minded community.
Put pen to paper to make sure the directors know that we support the right upgrade and will not settle for less.
Ann Mcvey
Qualicum Beach
on behalf of the aquacize pool buddies group