Locals mourn closure of landmark pool in Pierrefonds, Que., after 59 years – Montreal | 24CA News
It’s been a fixture within the West Island neighborhood of Pierrefonds since 1964.
But PPK Pool, an iconic landmark in a quiet residential neighbourhood, is shuttering after 59 years in operation.
“If you think about the TV show “Cheers,” that is the “Cheers” for youths. Everybody is aware of your identify. You come right here, you’re at all times welcome, you might have one million buddies once you present up,” Jay Tremellen, the pool’s affiliation president advised Global News.
The lease between the pool’s affiliation and the borough of Pierrefonds-Roxboro is expiring and isn’t being renewed.
Major renovations are wanted to overtake and modernize the pool and its services. The all-volunteer pool affiliation doesn’t have the cash to pay for the work and the borough gained’t make the funding.
“We looked at it and we said, is it really feasible and responsibly managing the public purse to really invest in the type of funds that would be necessary to bring it to today’s standards,” Jim Beis, the Pierrefonds-Roxboro borough mayor, advised Global News.
The borough would love residents to make use of different close by municipal swimming pools which can be extra fashionable. But many individuals dwelling and dealing close to PPK choose this pool, together with Rachel Beaucage, who grew up swimming at PPK and now works there as a lifeguard.
“I loved it better here, I don’t even have words to describe it,” Beaucage mentioned.
PPK Pool doesn’t fairly measure 25 meters in size and has an unorthodox form — narrowing at one finish and widening on the different as an alternative of a conventional rectangular type.
But what the pool lacks in dimension and fashionable services, it makes up for in actions. Swimming classes, aqua health, water polo occasions, swim groups and swim meets are all a part of the pool’s providers. There can also be a meals and beverage canteen and a grassy, shaded space with garden chairs.
The robust spirit the members and employees have towards their beloved pool is irreplaceable.
Beaucage mentioned she was crushed when she discovered it was closing.
“Very sad, I cried the first time I heard, for sure. It feels like a part of me is broken,” she mentioned.
The canteen operator says she’s going to miss the children and the pool’s general ambiance.
“My favourite part is selling candy to the kids, they get all excited,” Helen Morris mentioned.
The remaining whistle at PPK will blow on the finish of August, bringing an finish to an establishment that’s older than a lot of its members.
“There will be an empty pocket in this community,” Tremellen mentioned.
The borough has not confirmed what’s going to ultimately exchange the pool however when the water is lastly drained this iconic landmark will dry up as nicely.
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
