THUNDER BAY — City staff are proposing a major redevelopment of the former Dease Pool and the adjacent Dease Park.
The swimming pool was closed this year after serving the Dease and North Vickers Street neighbourhood for over a century.
After consulting residents, city administration has developed a draft plan that includes replacing the pool basin and change building with a fenced outdoor tennis and pickleball court.
The former pool site would also contain a community garden, fruit trees, and a shaded sitting area.
Across the street, significant changes would be made at Dease Park, where a half-court basketball area and small playground currently exist.
They would be replaced with a larger playground and a boarded, lighted rink with an asphalt surface supporting multiple summer activities such as basketball.
A permanent change room and washroom building would also be constructed.
In addition, the plan includes a large, open green space, a new sitting area, large trees to "buffer" active play areas, and crab apple trees.
The city would implement enhanced traffic-calming measures on Dease Street to connect the park with the former pool area.
A statement from the city says the design allows for the introduction of new recreational opportunities "without creating negative implications for local residences."
"We have developed a draft plan based on feedback from the community, neighbourhood demographics, park infrastructure gaps in the area, and programming delivered to date," said Kelly Robertson, the general manager of Community Services.
After the pool was closed, most of its operating budget was redirected to enhanced recreation programming in the area including free family skates at the nearby Fort William Gardens, playground programs, and special activities for youth.
The public will get a chance to comment on the new plan at open house drop-in sessions next week.
The first is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 31 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Victoriaville Mall Village Green.
The second will take place Saturday, Nov. 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Fort William Gardens, during the 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. free family skate.
Additional input will be sought from students at McKellar Park school and from the city's Heritage Advisory Committee.
Feedback can also be given through an online survey that's available until Nov. 7.
The city statement said all input from the public and stakeholders will be incorporated in a report to be considered by city council later this year.
