The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
According a the City of Flin Flon Recreation Wellness Facility Survey, a new pool is top priority. It came as no surprise to Councillor Colleen McKee as she said she had a suspicion a new pool was on the minds of many. Though there was only a 13.6 per cent return rate, McKee says it was a positive return for those who wanted to participate. But at the same time, "we were hoping for a higher percentage," she said. The survey, which asked for opinions based on current facilities as well as hopes for future facilities, was distributed earlier this year.. The documents were sent to homes and made available at stores in the area and even at the Trade and Leisure Show in Creighton. "I didn't really have any expectations. I was just looking for numbers," said McKee. A pool, and then watersides, was top priority for Flin Flon and surrounding residents. Second on the list was a track, with a curling rink next on the list. Looking over the results, McKee says one big shock to her was the desire for a new curling rink. She pointed out both Willowpark and the Uptown Curling Rink. "I'm not sure why we would need a new one. This one surprised me a little bit," she said. Taking the results into consideration, McKee says the next step is to "put together a concept based on what people want." McKee says Flin Flon is a "great" community. A down fall, some might say, is the long winter months. "The thing is, we're inside sometimes 10 months of the year. People need things to do," she said. "They want to get out there. They want to get healthier." Looking at the survey results, McKee said she was also a little surprised by the age group that responded the most. More than 400 responded between the ages of 51 and older, compared to those in the 31-40 category; with only 173 responses. "Which is interesting. I guess they are the people that maybe took the time to fill out the survey," said McKee. "I don't know why they did it and not the 30 to 50 year olds. Though the numbers were different than expected when it came to age categories, McKee says the Neighbourhoods Revitalization Corporation, who deciphered the survey, feels this is a "representative" number. The Results Some people "came back and said 'I don't want to fill this out, we just need a new pool,'" said McKee. "Those are not discounted." Over 420 people, of the 320 households taking the survey, agreed that a new pool was the top priority for the Flin Flon area. "If all we end up with is a new pool, then that's all we end up with," said McKee. She says she'd like to be able to promise ground will be broken in a year to start the project, but she says there is no time line on the project right now. "Because it all depends on the funding," she said. With the election just around the corner, McKee says the project will now be left for the new council to decide upon. Once the project is conceptualized, McKee says the next step would be to cost it out. "Personally, I'd like to see a phased approach," she says, noting that if a new pool is put in, then there is room for future expansion. "If we get phase one done and nothing goes further, we still have something," she said. "And then if we can add on another component, it's a bonus." Finding a location is also a big decision to be made. But to date, McKee says they are looking over the results. "In this day and age, we're always looking at wellness and ways we can get healthier. I think this survey has given us a clear indication that people are interested in the same thing. "I guess it was more (in agreement) with my thoughts than not," she said. "But it's still important (that) the people...have a say. I think the process of going through the survey has granted them the opportunity to have their say, or not." Of the 2,360 households in Flin Flon, 320 households responded to the survey.
