Calgary municipality opposes swimming pool closure

Nearly 100 Inglewood residents gathered Saturday afternoon as part of their ongoing efforts to save the Inglewood Aquatic Centre.

The group stood at the corner of 14th St. and 9th Ave. SE and waved signs reading “Save our pool” and “Keep our pool open” in front of passing cars.

Rally organizers say the pool has been part of the neighborhood since the '60s and is an important part of the community, and is expected to attract more people to Inglewood.

They claim that closing the swimming pool is short-sighted.

“This will be a great loss for our community,” said rally organizer Fiona McKenzie.

“We should increase our density, at least triple it.”

On December 22nd, the Inglewood Aquatic Centre will officially close its doors.

Service life exceeded by 20 years

The Inglewood Aquatic Centre will close permanently on December 22nd.

The city had previously stated that the pool needed extensive electrical repairs and that additional repairs may be needed due to the pool's age.

According to the city, the swimming pool has exceeded its expected lifespan by 20 years.

The final decision to close the Inglewood Aquatic Centre was made in 2021 after Council approved an expansion of the MNP Community and Sport Centre.

The $57 million expansion project is scheduled to be completed in 2027.

“One percent of this money could help save our pool so seniors can stay healthy and active, children can take swim lessons, and MNP is a 45-minute walk from Inglewood Pool,” McKenzie said.

The group said this was just the first of many more rallies in their efforts to save the pool.