Re: Pool, track upgrades reviewed in rec plan (The NEWS, April 17).
It seems that the RDN has decided to expand the Ravensong Aquatic Centre instead of building a new pool in Parksville. Is this a wise, forward-thinking decision?
The RDN consultant stated that a second facility is not warranted until the area population reaches 60-70,000. The 2016 census places the Oceanside population at 65,500. Our population is increasing rapidly and, given the draw this area has for active seniors (oldest demographic in Canada), we feel that a second pool is a reasonable option. Why not keep Ravensong as it is and build a new pool in Parksville, a community which is experiencing rapid growth? We encourage the RDN to think ahead. Oceanside will continue to grow and a Parksville pool will become inevitable. Why not take the initiative and build it now rather than “making-do” with an addition to Ravensong?
RDN residents are currently driving long distances to access a pool facility. Pools in both Parksville and Qualicum Beach will mean fairer pool access to residents from Bowser to Nanoose.
We see problems ahead: the proposal to add two lanes to Ravensong will do little to ease the crowding so evident at our facility, and the pool would have to be closed for construction.
We ask the RDN to build a new pool in Parksville to better serve all Oceanside residents.
Bertrand Girard and Diane Sharp
Qualicum Beach
