It’s been almost a year since the Kinsmen Pool was closed due to safety concerns of the building for patrons and staff, as well as the overall state of repair of the facility.
City of Pembroke Council made the decision to close the pool at its January 5 budget meeting. The structural safety and liability concerns, coupled with the fact the pool is at the end of its life, led to the decision. Back in December 2023, Council decided to move forward with exploring a public-private partnership (P3) option for a new multi-use facility that would include a pool, as well as ice pads and other recreational space.
During the public meeting a group of people who utilized the pool decided right then and there that they were not going to allow this to happen. The Friends of the Regional Pool (FRP) was created by Kim Poliacik the chair of the fundraiser and Megan Conway and 10 other pool enthusiasts who took it upon themselves to raise funds to fix the pool.
Since the pool shut down, Poliacik stated that the group started off slow with the community slowly participating in their fundraising efforts. They have held trivia nights, raffles, and other events to raise money to reach their goal, there are also lawn signs that the community can buy which all funds go towards their goal. Poliacik is so thankful for all the businesses and community members who have donated over the year. As of December 10th they have raised over 50 per cent of their goal of $200,000.
Each month, the FRPl hold a 50/50 draw through their website, with a lucky winner selected on the 29th of every month. It’s a fun way to support the pool and have a chance to win! Poliacik tells myFM why Pembroke needs this staple back.
Another way they are raising funds is through their raffle which will be drawn on February 18 and the Alice & Fraser Recreation Centre. The first prize winner will walk away with a six seater hot tub valued at $14,000, second place winner will receive a 15 people boat ride from Griff Slaughter Experience valued over $1,500, third place winner will receive a stand up paddle board valued at $790 and lastly the fourth place winner will receive a full year membership for the Kinsmen Pool.
The Kinsmen Pool has played a big role in the community as it is a place to learn, thrive, teach, heal and more. Poliacik explains that it isn’t just a pool, it is a lifeline for some.
The FRP committee has partnered with the Ottawa Valley Community Foundation to ensure transparency and good fiscal management of donations and fundraising efforts. In January, Pembroke Council voted to move forward with $1.4 million in repairs to the pool building. The Township of Laurentian Valley has confirmed it will contribute up to 30% of the net cost, or a maximum of $420,000. This support followed FRP’s efforts, which included sending letters and speaking at the Laurentian Valley Council meeting. The committee expressed gratitude for the strong backing from Laurentian Valley Council. As of right now, the pool is set to reopen its doors at the end of January 2025 and will be a slow open. Poliacik mentions what has been done to the building over the year of it being out of commission.
Poliacik can’t say how much she appreciates all the volunteers how have helped over the year, and with that in mind she also wants to remind the community that they are always looking for more people who want to join the team and help out. If you are interested in volunteering email friendsoftheregionalpool@gmail.com and someone will get in touch. With the pool getting some much deserved upgrades, there is still talk about what will happen to the building if or when the P3 is built?
The FRP are still looking for any donation big or small to help get the doors open to the pool sooner than later. To find out more details regarding events or how to donate head to makeasplash.ca
(Written by: Emma Butler)