In a development that might as well be published under “irony” in current dictionaries, the Port Hardy swimming pool is threatened with closure just as the District has launched a survey asking participants what services and programs they currently use and those they would like to see added to the District’s offerings.
The survey itself is a timely and welcome offering, and one we recommend residents across the North Island take part in (www.porthardy.ca). A recently discovered leak in the 40-year-old swimming pool at the District’s Rec. Centre, however, points out the limitations of the options available. For a region recognized as a resource-based area, North Vancouver Island seems to be rather short on resources these days.
If the pool cannot be repaired in a timely and economical fashion, it may be lost for the season — and beyond.
Mind you, this is not a condemnation of the North Island’s resilience. To the contrary, even as the District addresses its swimming pool issues, Port Hardy has recently upgraded its ice arena infrastructure. Music programs were jettisoned from local schools as enrolment declined, but the Wild Heart Music program is offering choir instruction to students in Port McNeill and Pacific Winds is poised to resume its after-school band offerings.
Gate House Community Association continues to provide music, theatre and instruction in addition to pre-release movies. And Mount Cain Ski Area and Seven Hills Golf Course, despite their economic limitations, continue to provide outdoor recreation opportunities.
We sincerely hope local swimmers have a venue for aquatics this winter. But even if the pool shuts down, it doesn’t have to mean the end of swimming here.
We may be high and dry for a time, but anyone who counts out North Islanders is all wet.
