Dave Sullivan
Northern News Services

Fort Smith (Feb 04/02) - A new pool is being built, and deciding on extras is the topic of a survey.

If residents want more luxuries they should be willing to pay more in property taxes, says Mayor Peter Martselos.

Some items on a list of goodies are a hot tub, water slide and climbing wall.

Janie Hobart, who serves on a committee examining the pool options, said, ideally, a full-blown leisure centre would be built. She said fundraising is an option being studied which could cushion a tax hike.

Fort Smith has a pool, but it's 20 years old "and starting to cost us money," Martselos said. It can only be used in summer because the water is unheated.

The new pool will be built onto the town's new $4.5-million recreation complex.

Residents have been asking for a new pool for a long time, he said.

"Of course, everyone would like a Cadillac one."

The cutoff to avoid tax increases is about $2.2 million, and a fully-loaded pool could cost $5 million.

Other government levels do not help pay for pools, the mayor said.

At a recent public meeting, an Edmonton consultant outlined some options. Survey results will be sent to him, and he'll return to Fort Smith in March with narrowed-down choices.

Hobart said the pool committee definitely wants a "beach entrance."

The gradual-deepening design will appeal to children, seniors and disabled swimmers, he said.