Since August 11, two petitions have been circulating in Stratford, one online and one printed, calling for the council to build the pool to the north of the hockey turf instead of the original location next to the TET. Supporters of both petitions were opposed to the planned relocation of the netball courts to make way for the pool, and argued it would be too close to the Malone Gates.
"No matter what the decision is today, we should celebrate the fact we are about to build a new pool."
Councillor Boyde spoke in favour of sticking with the original location plan, but said he would support whatever decision was made and reminded his fellow councillors the fact Stratford was to get a new pool was good news, regardless of location.
Two motions were put forward almost simultaneously in favour for both locations, which led the committee to conduct two votes by decision on each option.
Mayor Neil Volzke said he had carefully considered both options in making his own decision as to which way he would vote on the subject, noting strong arguments were made in favour of both locations.
He said the deciding factor for him was that of cost.
"Any saving we can make is important when it comes to cost for ratepayers. Building the pool on the field will be $2 million cheaper, so that is the game changer for me."
The final result was a six to five win in favour of locating the pool on the sports field to the north of the hockey turf, with the mayor and councillors Jono Erwood, John Sandford, Gloria Webby, Vaughan Jones and Peter Dalziel voting in favour.
The public gallery broke into applause as the result of the vote was announced.
The next step will be to confirm detailed designs of the pool development with construction set to start in 2021.
Disclaimer: Editor Ilona Hanne is married to the CEO of Stratford District Council
