Province plunges into Powassan pool

The province has made a big splash at Powassan’s community pool, as MPP Vic Fedeli announced $170,500 to fund upgrades and repairs to the facility.

Located at the end of Edward Street North, behind the Sportsplex, the Powassan Lions Pool was built by the local Lions Club 68 years ago. Since the water was poured, local kids have learned to swim there, and many in the town enjoy taking a dip and finding some refuge from the heat.

“It’s one of the little gems that we have in our community,” Mayor Peter McIsaac said, “everybody loves it.” The funding announcement “is better than great news” for the people, he added.

See: Repair of Powassan pool 'a priority'

The mayor recalled that the pool was born from tragedy. Two children from the community drowned one summer – almost seven decades ago – and those untimely deaths inspired the Lions Club to build the pool. The Club didn’t want to see any more kids losing their lives in the water, so from day one, the purpose of the pool was to teach as many kids as possible how to swim.

“They’ve been running swimming lesson programs ever since,” Mayor McIsaac said. He went through the program when he was a kid, and “it’s like a rite of passage” in the town.

Even though the pool is pushing 70, it’s been well-maintained. However, it could use upgrading, and the money will allow “a total rehab for the entire pool,” the mayor said. A new pump is on the list, the water lines will be replaced, the apron around the pool will be upgraded, and there will be enhanced seating as well.

And for those thinking ‘It’s hotter than Hades out there, I need my pool!’ rest assured, there are no plans to interrupt your summer swims. The pool shall remain in full swing until the season changes, and the upgrades will begin this fall.

Fedeli noted “Our government believes facilities like Powassan’s outdoor pool enrich the lives of people in our community,” and the investment will allow the facility to “continue to make a positive difference.”

“This investment will ensure the Powassan Lions Pool will be operating for many years to come,” Mayor McIsaac said, and with this week’s heat, “I know it’s going to be packed.”

David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.