Councillors vote to take more time to decide Thames Park Pool's fate

The Thames Park Pool won't face the wrecking ball this year, as London city councillors voted to look at more options for the much-loved outdoor pool that staff have recommended be closed permanently.

A motion passed unanimously Tuesday by the community and protective services committee essentially pushes the decision on the pool's fate to a later date, giving more time for staff to come up with options for new aquatics amenities for the Old South neighbourhood. The motion also calls for more consultation with the community. It also directs staff to see if there's a way the pool, which didn't open after cracks were found last spring, can be opened for next year's season.

"This is the best location for the pool, and at the same time, it is the worst location for the pool," said Skylar Franke, the area's ward councillor.

"Best" because the pool has earned a cherished place in Old South.

"Worst" because flooding and a high water table on the site mean staff can't guarantee that any repair or rebuild won't be again be undone by the cracking and frost heave that has plagued the pool.

Old South resident Cheryl Smith spoke to the committee about her fond memories of swimming there as girl and returning years later with her daughter.

"This park and pool has served London residents for decades," she told council. "Thames Park Pool is our home away from home for July and August.

"How did we get to the point where closing this pool is on the table?" she asked councillors. "Who dropped the ball is my question, and how are we as a collective going to fix it?"

Cracks in the pool's deck were discovered early last year when staff filled the pool for the season only to discover the water drained out the next day. After more investigation, a staff report landed last week recommending against rebuilding any pool on the site. The pool's location on a flood plain and increased freeze-thaw cycles, in part due to climate change, were all listed as factors.

Franke was inundated with messages from constituents who she says felt "blindsided" by the report's recommendation. 
Because she's not a member of the committee considering the report, Franke couldn't put forward a motion but she and Coun. David Ferreira crafted the motion passed Tuesday.

"This motion gives a bit of runway for the community that values this asset," said Mayor Josh Morgan, who called the decision council faces on the pool's future a "no-win situation."

Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis pointed to information in the staff report noting that full rebuilds of the pool were needed in 1959, 1975, and 2010 along with extensive repairs in the 1980s and 1990s.

Lewis said he supports looking at the option of keeping the pool open a little longer but said the community might have to accept that a new or repaired 50-metre outdoor pool on that site may not be realistic.

"This pool is in the wrong location," said Lewis. "It's going to continue to need infrastructure renewal on a pretty regular basis if we leave just leave it there as is. To me, that is not a road to go down. I would rather invest in something that the community can enjoy 12 months of the year for the next 50 years."

Lewis also pointed out that London's recreation master plan advises against building more outdoor pools due to their shorter swim season and other factors.

When asked, staff said there is no way the pool can be fixed and opened for this summer.

Resident Rick King watched the debate from the council chambers gallery and was happy the committee opted to keep options open for the pool's future.

"The more thought and consideration that goes into making the decision is a move in the right direction," he said. "Not making a rash decision is the right one."

The motion next goes to council for final approval.