The four candidates in the St. Boniface council race are making waves about swimming pools. The city closed and demolished Happyland Pool this term, citing costly repairs and low attendance. On top of that, the Windsor Park Pool is only guaranteed to be open for one more year. Both are outdoor community pools. Sylvie Schmitt, a school trustee and former lifeguard, says Happyland is why she dove into the race. “I decided that was the moment that we need a different voice at city council for St. Boniface. We need a voice that will listen to residents,” said Schmitt. Bartender Robyn Vilde says he’s running to address homelessness and safety issues. Vilde says he’s in favour of reviving aging pools like Windsor Park and Provencher so they don’t end up like Happyland. “I honestly think that we would be better off both in terms of spending taxpayer money to fix the two pools we already have,” said Vilde. Matt Allard says he is running for re-election to secure funding for outreach groups, roads, libraries, and pools. Allard says he tried to save Happyland. “My heart is broken for Happyland, I fought with residents to keep it open,” said Allard. He points to the $10 million Bonivital Pool renovation project and the plan for a major aquatic facility where Provencher stands now. A city report estimates it could cost between $18 and $21 million. “I don’t want a situation like with Happyland, where there was a closure and there was nothing to show for it,” said Allard. “Right now, banking funds to have a regional pool that would have nice amenities.” Allard isn’t the only candidate running in St. Boniface again. Nicholas Douklias finished a distant second in 2022. The Helios Catering co-owner says he wants to help groups like St. Boniface Street Links to tackle the homeless and addiction issues. He is critical about Happyland’s closure. “It’s unfortunate that the city wasn’t there for them and the city councillor wasn’t there for them,” said Douklias. Douklias says he will listen to what voters want when it comes to aquatics. “If they say they want the old Provencher Pool to stay there, for it to be renovated, then that’s what I fight for,” said Douklias.
