Councillors not so sure about budget cuts
More discussion wanted on Scona Pool
BY GORDON KENT, THE EDMONTON JOURNALAPRIL 21, 2009
Some city councillors want to take a second look at major budget changes they approved last week to stave off a potential $35.1-million deficit caused by the global economic downturn.
A wide-ranging motion to deal with Edmonton's looming financial problems featured $11.7-million worth of fee hikes and spending cuts, including reduced hours at most leisure centres, a temporary hiring freeze, shutting the Scona pool and charging commuters to park at LRT stations.
But Coun. Don Iveson and Coun. Bryan Anderson asked city staff Monday to provide more details on the impact and reasoning behind closing the pool, located in their ward at 10450 72nd Ave.
"I think we need to have more discussion based on a business case for closure and a full year 2010 operating set of numbers, so those people who value the pool can see if there's something they can do about it," Anderson told reporters.
Mothballing the structure, built in 1957, is expected to save $80,000 for the last half of 2009 -- and $350,000 to $400,000 annually in future.
Anderson said the pool could be kept open until the end of December with money from a council contingency fund while swim clubs, community leagues and other groups look at their options.
However, he acknowledged the four-lane facility only attracts 36,000 visits a year, far less than the average 140,000 users at other indoor pools, and requires a larger subsidy per customer.
He hopes the various organizations involved can see the figures in a couple of weeks and then decide their next step.
One frequent user is the Strathcona Lords swim team from adjoining Strathcona high school, city champions for the last 23 years.
While Anderson wondered whether Edmonton Public Schools would be willing to help fund Scona, a board official said that's unlikely because the money it receives from the province is aimed at school structures.
"If it does close, we would move to another pool," said Lorne Parker, managing director of planning and student transportation.
Meanwhile, Coun. Kim Krushell would like to stop implementation of a new $3 daily peak-hour fee for commuters using LRT park-and-ride lots, which is expected to put an extra $440,000 into city coffers this year.
"I think it's counter-intuitive ... if we want people to use the system, we have to make it as convenient as possible."
She only plans to introduce the motion if she has backing from her colleagues, however, and so far says she hasn't found much support.
Councillors are scheduled to set the final 2009 tax rates April 29. The average municipal tax increase approved during December's budget debate was 7.3 per cent, though the rise in the provincial school levy that makes up almost half the total property tax bill was higher.
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