Lumsden and Area Aquatic Facility Proposal

Conclusion
An aquatic facility would be a viable and positive option for the Town of Lumsden and surrounding area.
There are many benefits it would provide to the community. Lumsden has a excellent track record for
fundraising and successful implementation of projects like this. There is a strong volunteer base
available and public sentiment is favourable.
Outdoor pools are most common for communities this size and capital and operational budgets are
attainable. An indoor pool, while less common, offers added benefits of year-round use and provides
valuable indoor space for physical activity in the dead of winter. An indoor pool has high operating costs
and would be difficult to fund through taxation alone. If a strong sentiment from the public exists to
build an indoor facility, the fundraising load increases and an alternate business model would need to be
considered to make it sustainable long- term.
It was clear that any decisions surrounding a community pool would need to consider multiple factors
including future development, future recreational facilities, and interdependancies. Integrating this
information into a Parks and Recreation Master Plan is critical to ensure everything is considered and
decisions are made based on the long term. With this in mind the research conducted by this
committee supported proceeding to the next steps for building a community pool.
Process
Stage Gate Approvals:
Approval for
Consultant
Approval to
Procure
Approval to
Construct
Initiation
Community
Need
Initial Survey
Feasibility
Research
alternatives
Identify
probable costs
Location
Criteria
Funding
Partners
Community Engagement
Parks and Rec
Master Plan
Community
Workshop
Location
Selection
Design
Procurement
Best value
procurement
(RFP)
Design-Build
Local vendor
engagement
Construction
50% funds
raised
Timeline: 6 Months 6 Months 18-24 Months
Next Steps
Its critical to conduct community enagement activites to ensure buy-in and acceptance of the project
moving forwards. A third-party consultant is the best option to facilitate this process which can include:
• Workshops and Surveys
• Finalize location and design requirements
• Key stakeholder engagement (service organizations, schools, surrounding communities,
government)
• Integrated Parks and Recreation Master Plan
• Aquatic Facility Detailed Proposal
Lumsden Aquatic Facility Proposal Report | 23