The City of Cranbrook has released the preliminary findings on its statistically valid survey of the ongoing aquatic centre pilot project.
The project is to see if reducing pool hours is feasible for the community as a cost saving measure.
The city says it costs $718.04 per hour to operate the aquatics centre, but there are some fixed costs in that number that wouldn’t change if the pool was closed.
The city had launched a survey in the fall of 2024 to inform council’s decisions on the city’s budget.
One of the questions asked respondents which city service, if any, they would consider reducing or eliminating and 13 per cent said reducing recreational, cultural or music events.
The pilot project started on Mar. 31 and the survey runs until June 15 but the city has provided some of the findings so far.
“Many users express the need for early morning pool hours to accommodate their work schedules and exercise routines, with some suggesting even earlier openings and pre-8 a.m. aquafit classes,” said recreation and culture director Trevor Thors.
“Early mornings were also identified as important for lane swimming, rehabilitation programs and maintaining health and wellness.”
Users also stressed the importance of midday access and fears that reduced hours will result in increased congestion, especially for morning lane swims.
Thors says six residents have already submitted for membership refunds, but four of those have re-purchased 10 visit punch passes.
The city is continuing with the reduced hours until the June maintenance shutdown.
Staff will present the full findings and recommendations to council in July.
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