THUNDER BAY – A rally to make a last-ditch effort to save Dease Pool is scheduled to coincide with a town-hall meeting being hosted by Mayor Bill Mauro.
According to a release issued on Friday by event organizers, they’ve collected more than 4,000 signatures in favour of keeping the century-old facility in the neighbourhood. City council last December voted to shut it down, citing the expense needed to bring the pool and its amenities up to modern standards.
Calling it a little piece of paradise for the area’s youth and seniors, the group has asked McKellar Ward Coun. Brian Hamilton to consider having the pool repairs and upkeep inserted into the 2020 municipal budget, but say to date they have not had any success on that front.
That doesn’t sit well with one of his predecessors.
“The City of Thunder Bay has a social obligation to the families who utilize and depend on Dease Pool every summer. Please mark the date on your calendars and come out to the rally. Let’s send a strong message to our mayor that a pool for these kids needs to be put back on his agenda,” said Andy Savela, who held the McKellar seat from 2006 to 2007, when he stepped aside for work reasons.
Tuesday’s rally is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. outside the Victoria Inn.
