Well, I’ve been quiet for some time, thinking that the idea of the Parksville pool would die a death of natural causes but evidently there is a group of people who are stressed by the deficiencies of Ravensong: too small, crowded change rooms, a community outgrowing the existing pool.
Interestingly, some seniors in our communities are stressed by the increased tax burden, the cost of water, rising sea levels, pollution from new sewage treatment plants, ever-increasing homelessness, a lack of doctors, increased heating cost, rising car and house insurance.
So the real question becomes how should publicly earned dollars be spent?
In all seriousness, the question of a pool seems very self-indulgent. There are many of us who get our exercise on the trails that have been designed to keep green spaces open and available all fee free but supported through taxation.
I would ask those who consider a Parksville pool essential to ask themselves, just how many hours must people work to pay for this indulgence?
I for one, would like to see families spending more time together and less time working to pay for the extravagant ideas that serve only those who can afford the time and money to exercise at the pool.
I would suggest that those of you who want this pool get together and fundraise just like the kids of our area do for their special times. Next year you could be getting firewood to sell, have a car wash, a bake sale, etc. Surely you have the time to put into such a venture. As well you can then have a private facility that you maintain and enjoy without causing more stress for the many in this community, not just seniors but working families who are in debt and trying to survive.
Pauline Liste
Errington
