To the Editor,
Re: Closing pool unacceptable, Letters, June 16.
The letter writer’s remarks on the possible closure of Beban pool for three months annually strikes me as very true. Beban is a pool that serves the elderly, the very young, those with special needs including those who need water therapy and the disabled in a manner that Nanaimo Aquatic Centre cannot begin to serve. Indeed, NAC is a pool designed for the competitive swimmers and divers and for those who enjoy the slides and the wave pool.
As an 80-plus person with a disability who has enjoyed Beban now for almost 20 years and have benefited from the warmer water temperatures at Beban, I have come to know and enjoy the friendly and helpful staff who respond to my special needs. As well, the two shower rooms for the disabled at Beban are far superior to those at NAC.
The public has not truly been consulted. In a city of some 90,000, we need three indoor pools, not one and a half.
Frank ProutenNanaimo
To the Editor,
Re: Councillors identify top projects, June 9.
Mayor Bill McKay is interested in a football stadium. Interesting that he wants to close the Beban Pool and remove a sport that will assist us in keeping active and fit and replace it with a bunch of seats where we can place our posteriors.
He points out he would like to see council pick projects and go to the community. Later he says “I don’t want council to pick them I want the community to pick them.” Classical political double speak. Let’s hope that the Beban Pool is on the list.
George ReidLantzville
To the Editor,
Re: Core review finds $2.75M in savings, May 31.
Beban Pool and gym must not be closed for three months. This facility provides a safe, warm and welcoming environment for all that use this facility.
Beban is not a competitive pool so the water temperature remains at least a few degrees warmer than the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre pool.
Beban Pool’s temperature allows a warmer environment for people with disabilities, single moms or dads with infants, school-aged children, families, aging citizens, and other adults. This facility helps many folks gain back their mobility after stroke, surgery and debilitating conditions. I have had two knee replacements over the past two years and I credit the Beban facility for a large part of my complete recovery and well-being. The warmer temperature at Beban Pool provides better therapy and healing.
Having attended NAC during Beban’s one-month summer maintenance shutdown for many years I have observed NAC is very crowded. I, like many other folks, have chosen not to go to NAC during the summer shutdown due to the overcrowding and the cooler pool. How many people will be affected by a three-month period at Beban? Additionally how many people will not return to Beban after such a lengthy closure?
Closing Beban Pool for three months may be a cost savings for the City of Nanaimo, however it could be a drain on the medical system if people discontinue their exercises for three months of every year.
P. BrownieNanaimo
