A study commissioned by the Town of Essex shows a new outdoor pool may not be feasible.
Essex Town Council heard a presentation this week by two students at the University of Windsor Odette School of Business.
The EPICentre, a joint entrepreneurship venture between the university and St. Clair College, was asked to put together a feasibility study on building a new outdoor swimming pool in Harrow. The study did recommend a potential site but warned that it may not benefit the municipality financially.
Alex Steel, one of the students presenting the study, says population demographics and long-term costs are concerns that should be addressed.
"Harrow isn't really an ideal candidate for an outdoor pool, due to the shrinking population and fairly large deficit for only a nine-week operation," says Steel.
The estimated cost to build a basic, four-lane Olympic-sized pool would be about $3.2-million. Operational costs are based on a season that roughly runs from Canada Day to Labour Day, estimated at between $80,000 and $100,000. Costs for renovations or land acquisition at any of the three potential sites for a pool were not factored in. The study projected a potential loss to the town of about $9,000 per week, though additional revenue streams could come from swimming lessons, rentals and adult fitness programs.
The cost of building a pool in Harrow could be offset through fundraising, selling sponsorships, selling naming rights, or applying for grants, according to the study.
Steel's student partner, Ben DeGroot, says deficit is not the only roadblock toward the pool.
"The other red flag is the population distribution, which has fewer children, and a higher percentage of those over the age of 65," says DeGroot.
The site making the most sense for an outdoor pool, according to the study, is Harrow Arena. Despite being the most expensive option, the study says the venue is centrally-located, can be easily accessed by young people and senior citizens, and has plenty of parking with room to purchase land and expand if necessary.
The other two options were the Harrow Soccer Complex and Colchester Harbour.
Essex Ward 4 Councillor Sherry Bondy, whose district includes Harrow, says a desire by some in the area for a pool was what prompted the study to be commissioned.
"This is a conversation that has come up over the past seven years since I've been there," says Bondy. "You know, 'What about a pool in Harrow?' Council has never really entertained the idea because we didn't really think it was feasible."
Essex council voted to accept the feasibility study so they can debate the idea of a pool at a later time.
