Flin Flonners are continuing to react to last month’s sudden, permanent shutdown of the Flin Flon Aqua Centre.
A series of letters, written by Grades 1 and 2 students at École McIsaac School, were submitted to Mayor Cal Huntley, MLA Tom Lindsey, MP Niki Ashton and to The Reminder.
“The students in my Grade 1/2 class learned about using their voice and speaking up for things they believe in,” said teacher Christine Williams. Williams is a past-president and current executive member of the now-on-hiatus Flin Flon Aqua Doves.
“We talked very briefly about ways to speak up and who some of the people are that make the decisions.”
Some letters to The Reminder started with the prompt, “Dear Editor, We need a pool,” before progressing into students’ thoughts on the closure.
“I need to learn how to swim. I only know how to swim with a life jacket,” wrote Grade 2 student Ella Armstrong.
“I think having a pool is important. It is fun. Why did you do that? I am so sad that our pool is closed. Our class was supposed to take swimming lessons in April,” reads another letter from Grade 2 student Erin Morin.
“How am I going to learn to float? Please build a new pool,” said Harmon VanKoughnett, Grade 2.
“I am six. I want swimming lessons,” added Grade 1 Max Weseen.
As of the Feb. 25 city council meeting, plans had begun for the demolition of the building, which was shut down after noticeable bowing in the structure’s ceiling over the pool. Council announced last fall that the City would dedicate over $2 million and seek approximately $6 million more in provincial and federal grant money to build a replacement centre. The location and configuration of a new proposed Aqua Centre is yet to be signed off on by the City.
The City has not received word on whether or not the grants had been approved in full.
Meanwhile, items from inside the centre, including floating docks used in the pool area, lockers and weight room supplies are officially on the City auction block. Interested bidders had the chance to head inside the now-barricaded centre Feb. 27 to review items. Potential buyers will have until 2 p.m. March 6 to submit offers on equipment to City procurement manager Dick Nelson.
Clubs that used the Aqua Centre extensively, including the Aqua Doves and Aqua Jets, have needed to retrieve items used by each club from the building itself.
