Dear Editor,
As we move forward attracting business and investment to the Pontiac we need to provide the Pontiac with attractions and amenities so that the increased population chooses to live here. We also need to improve a better quality of life for people already living here. There is no other facility which can improve health and wellness better than an aquacentre.
In June 2017 members of the Piscine Pontiac Pool Committee made a presentation to the MRC Council of Mayors to support an aquacentre in Fort Coulonge. This location was proposed for three reasons: 1) centrally located 2) 26% of the Pontiac population live in Mansfield and Fort Coulonge and 3) Fort Coulonge is one of the poorest Pontiac municipalities.
The result was a unanimous vote by the 18 mayors for the location in Fort Coulonge.
The aquacentre is not an MRC facility. It is being fundraised and managed by the not-for-profit group, Piscine Pontiac Pool. The funds for building and operating this facility will come from the federal and provincial governments as well as generous corporate partners and local fundraising through sale of memberships.
Recently, the Municipal Council of Fort Coulonge approved the sale of a 1.92 acre piece of land beside the arena to build the aquacentre. The architectural plan includes a 25 metre 4-lane length pool for fitness and competitive swimming, a large warm therapy pool for learn to swim and aquafit and a 15 person spa or hot tub. There will also be changing rooms and showers for men, women and families. A multi-purpose room can be used for exercise or can be rented out.
People in the Pontiac have wanted a pool for a long time. Many previous groups have tried to accomplish this and the plans never moved forward. We can find excuses every day not to do this but instead I encourage you to say: Let’s do this and find a way!”
Recently a Quebec region called Minganie with a population of only 6,500 people(we have 14,000+) successfully opened a $14 million dollar aquacentre.
We need to move forward setting our sights on the goal of a prosperous Pontiac! We need to improve the quality of life for all Pontiacers. We need to have a pride in our region and realize that this is possible and that we deserve the best! If you would like to get involved in making this happen please contact Jane Toller at prefete@mrcpontiac.qc.ca
Jane Toller,
Pontiac Warden
French version on page nine
