City workers are once again stepping up to keep the Crystal Pool open this coming long weekend Monday.
The pool would normally be closed on the B.C. Day holiday Monday, but CUPE local 50 has agreed to pay to keep it open for a free swim for residents, union president John Burrows said Tuesday.
“Our view of life is it [Crystal] is a community asset and we’re supportive of renovating and upgrading and expanding the pool if necessary,” Burrows said.
“On top of that, we’re recognizing it’s a public asset and our workers work there.”
Crystal Pool has been closed on statutory holidays for more than 15 years, primarily as a cost-saving measure.
“Opening on stat holidays has always been a bone of contention with us and perhaps this can — based on patron usage —perhaps convince those at the city to reconsider their current policy of not being open on all statutory holidays,” Burrows said.
In February, Victoria residents lapped up the opportunity for a free swim when CUPE paid the costs to keep the pool open for B.C.’s first ever Family Day holiday. About 1,040 people took advantage of the free, CUPE-sponsored activities. Cost to the union was just over $2,000, Burrows said.
Crystal Pool’s fate is now up in the air, so CUPE thought it important to keep the pool open.
Last month, the city officially began a process to determine what to do with the aging facility. Recommendations are expected in June 2014. A 2011 detailed assessment of the Crystal, built in 1971, found all of the pool systems are at the end of their useful life.
The union will cover the cost of keeping the Crystal open on B.C. Day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The pool will be open to all ages, and three 25-metre lanes will be available for lane swimmers all day. The gym, waterslide and diving boards will be open and a staff member will lead random games in the pool throughout the afternoon. Hot dogs will be served from 11 a.m. until supplies are exhausted.
Coun. Shellie Gudgeon said she appreciated the union stepping up, but wants the city to develop a policy regarding the openings.
“Great on CUPE, but I would also like to see the private sector have the same opportunity to sponsor a day. So that’s why I think a policy on this would be beneficial to everyone in the city because I think there are others who would step up,” Gudgeon said.
Gudgeon said she strongly believes recreational facilities should be open on holidays.
“That’s when it needs to be open, is on stats. Actually it’s a shame that we actually have to develop a policy on who will pay for it because ultimately it’s the city’s and we should be bearing that burden,” she said.
