Community Support
There has always been citizen interest in Edmonton’s indoor and outdoor public swimming pools, even while Queen Elizabeth Pool operated for several years under a “do not resuscitate” directive from City Council when a major breakdown would occur. A breakdown of the tank happened in 2004 and the pool was closed.
The society attracted support for the pool cause over the years from individuals (adults, families, young people), media, politicians and community organizations. Over the past decade alone spontaneous citizen reactions and input at open house events, promotion at the Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market indicated intergenerational public support for redeveloping the pool. Below follows an identification of key stakeholders who supported the pool project.
The Monarchist League of Canada, Smith family of Olympic swimmers, Federation of Community Leagues and several of its members (e.g. Central McDougall Community League, Strathcona Community League and other leagues), Old Strathcona Foundation, Strathcona Playground Redevelopment Society, the Academy at King Edward school, Dickensfield Amity House, the River Valley Alliance, Unity Centre of North East Edmonton, Old Strathcona Business Association, former City councillors Larry Langley, Michael Phair, David Thiele, incumbent councillors Jane Batty, Bryan Anderson, and Ben Henderson and their colleagues on Council. Provincial MLAs (former MLA Raj Pannu, incumbent MLA the Honourable Minister of Health and Wellness Gene Zwozdesky, the Honourable Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Culture, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Labour, Andrea Collins, the staff of MacDonald Realty Edmonton and the Honourable Linda Duncan, MP for Edmonton-Strathcona.
Community support aided interaction between the Friends of Queen E Pool Society and officials of the City’s Community Services and others, so the society acknowledges energy expended by politicians and officials at various levels and times throughout the history of advocacy and redevelopment of Queen Elizabeth Pool.
The society’s goal was always redevelopment of an outdoor public pool to provide outdoor aquatic recreation and pleasure for interested users. After years of planning, lobbying and fundraising realization of this goal is in sight.
The project received a real boost when the Friends of Queen E Pool Society was approved in 2009 for a federal grant of 1 million dollars from the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInc) Program. The contribution added to $ 400,000 already raised by the Friends. Under terms of a tripartite agreement the million dollars were transferred to the City of Edmonton. The $ 400,000 noted came from provincial grants, and donations from community organizations and individuals. Although City Council approved $5.1 million toward a new pool and spray park, added contributions allowed for some important amenities, for example, a pool tank wide and deep enough for diving, also spray features for young children and barrier-free entry for pool users with disabilities. The society is still canvassing for donations to cover the cost diving boards, art work, and a history wall.
The society welcomes volunteers to serve on the board and/or assist with hands-on committee work. Feel free to e-mail us. For updates from the society, contact us at: info@queenepool.com