A report from the Township of Perth South suggests that use of the Kirkton pool increased this year along with increased expenses.
In the spring of 2023, the operation of the Kirkton pool was taken over by Perth South from the Municipality of South Huron. The report states that over 4,500 people used the pool this season, which staff believe is up from last year. The pool also saw an increase in the utilization rate, which measures how often the pool is used relative to the capacity of the facility. Because of this the township increased the the public swim hours from 3 hours per day to 8 hours per day
The Kirkton pool also saw an increase in the number of swimming lessons. This year there were 304 lessons, up from last year which saw 220.
Also this year, the Kirkton Swim Team was reintroduced under the banner the Kirkton Kraken, and 15 children were a part of the team. Family swim pass numbers were up to 14 from 9 the previous year. There were 10 private pool rentals up from 6 last year. Thanks to increases in numbers, a sponsorship program, and government grants the pool saw an increase in revenue over 75%, or over $43,000 which is up significantly from just over $25,000.
While final numbers have not been tallied the pool was also over budget when it comes to expense. Total expenses for the season were around $135,000 which is up over $48,609 over budget. The increases come from things like salaries and benefits, propane, advertising and contracted services.
The pool also saw some accessible upgrades to the facility which are slated to be fully completed by the end of the year. Some of the cost of the upgrades came thanks to a grant.
The full Kirkton pool report can be found here.
