The cost of a new Ottawa city swimming pool is $1.6 million more than the city’s borrowing. Vissering Construction put in the only bid—for $6.7 million.
Commissioner James Less cast the only vote last night against approving the contract. He says the city should have put it to a voter referendum to make sure it’s something the people want. Less says splash pads cost less and don’t have the operational losses and ongoing staffing challenges.
Commissioner Wayne Eichelkraut feels a city the size of Ottawa needs a city pool.
The contract calls for demolition of the old Riordan Pool and construction of the new one to be done by next summer.