’Swimming was essential’: city seeks buyer for Eldon Ross pool

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This article was published 24/09/2024 (563 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The City of Winnipeg is now looking to sell the Eldon Ross indoor pool.

A request for proposal seeks a buyer for the 1887 Pacific Ave. W. property. The city originally proposed to shut down the pool this year during its budget process, estimating it would otherwise cost $10 million to repair and maintain over the next decade.

After members of the public and councillors fought against the pool closure, city council ultimately voted to keep the Eldon Ross pool and wading pool open this summer, then seek a buyer willing to allow public access to the facility.

“We heard from the community that swimming was essential. So, I wanted to make sure that while you’re doing private classes (the new owners could) also offer public swimming at a more affordable or subsidized cost,” Coun. Vivian Santos (Point Douglas) said.

The request for proposal invites not-for-profit and community organizations to bid on the facility, which closed Aug. 30.

The city will base 40 per cent of the points used to evaluate each purchase bid on the level of public access it would provide at reduced or no cost.

Bids will be accepted until Jan. 31.