Dear Editor:
Re: City ponders future for aging pool, The Record, Feb. 1.
Regrettably, this feedback is a bit late, but I thought I would send it anyway, regarding the possible impact on the Canada Games Pool after the Burnaby facility is opened.
First, let me say I have been going to Canada Games consistently since 1979, when I first moved to the Lower Mainland.
I will also say that I have gone to almost every other facility throughout the Lower Mainland because Canada Games Pool closes for maintenance. Also I am on the road a lot so I travel with my bathing suit just in case I don't make it back home I can stop off at any facility anywhere for my workout.
I am very thankful for that abundance.
Each facility has it good points but, as mentioned in the article, Canada Games Pool is unique.
Second, I am confident that Canada Games Pool has nothing to be concerned about, because I believe the same "alarm" went out when Eileen Dailly was scheduled to be opened.
Third, Canada Games Pool is unique in that it does one thing and one thing only and does it exceptionally well, head and shoulders above everyone else.
That one thing is to provide a clean, highly organized facility where people come to exercise.
It has been my personal experience that when any facility tries to be everything to everyone some things suffer and that is usually the "fitness" offering.
I have watched Canada Games Pool grow without losing excellent service delivery, and despite its heavy usage, this facility is consistently clean.
I never have to be concerned about bringing slippers to the centre.
The length swim area is always available, which seems to be seldom the case with other facilities; therefore it does not matter if the pool is 25 or 50 metres long. If the length swimming is compromised then it is not very effective.
Like everything, Canada Games Pool will need major repairs at some point and we will go to other facilities while that is happening, as we do now, but I am confident we will return.
During these maintence closures I have gone to other facilities and I have often overheard people say, "I can't wait until Canada Games Pool opens again."
Like all new things, certainly we will check out the Burnaby facility, but I think we will always come home to Canada Games Pool.
Angela Sealy, by email
