https://bit.ly/StopPoolDemos

To all who came to to join me yesterday, to fight for the Windsor Park and Happyland Pools thank you.

Your dedication to the cause of preserving Happyland and Windsor Park pools is truly appreciated.

I want to extend my gratitude to all residents who voiced their concerns yesterday regarding the proposed demolitions of these pools, especially Amber Gautier the President of the Windsor Park Residents Association and Teresa Cwik, a member of the South St. Boniface Residents Association who spoke on behalf of residents in the area.

A petition of over 1100 names and postal codes were shared with the committee yesterday. Currently, I am collaborating with the finance office to draft a balanced budget that incorporates funding for the continued operation of the pools, using discretionary City Councillor ward funds and exploring avenues for additional financing It's crucial that we continue to rally support for our campaign.

The proposed budget threatens to demolish these pools without any plans for new replacements. This isn't the Winnipeg way. Usually, when a facility is decommissioned there is a plan and an investment that comes with it, like when the Vimy arena and one other arena was decommissioned, a brand new facility was built to take their place.

When the St. Boniface fire halls were to be demolished, a consolidated station took its place providing better service to residents and Winnipeg at large.We must urge the Mayor and Executive Policy Committee to reconsider demolishing the pools without new investments to start construction before any pool demolition takes place, and at least explore options that would ensure the pools remain operational for a year, including conducting community consultations and commencing construction on a new outdoor pool in St. Boniface Ward before any demolitions take place.

If you wish to support our cause, there are several ways you can contribute:1. Sign the petition link here: https://bit.ly/StopPoolDemos 2. Register for your last chance to speak at the last meeting to advocate for the preservation of Happyland and Windsor Park pools:Executive Policy Committee: March 15You can participate in person at the Council building, via Zoom, or by submitting a written statement. Registration must be completed by noon of the preceding business day to secure your speaking slot.

For detailed instructions on how to address the Committees of Council, please refer to this link: [https://bit.ly/SpeakToCouncil] We need a strong display of public support to safeguard these pools. Your assistance in this endeavor is invaluable. Thanks for your attention, I hope that through these efforts we will get the changes that we are asking for.