Jimmy Thompson Pool won't be demolished after all

For a while, it looked like it might be demolished, but councillors voted on Monday to save the historic Jimmy Thompson Pool.

City staff recommended earlier this year that that pool, built in 1930, be torn down to make way for the new Bernie Morelli Seniors Centre.

But the general issues committee voted unanimously to incorporate the pool into the $17-million seniors centre.

The pool is an important part of the community, said Coun. Matthew Green of Ward 3, who moved the motion.

Its a relief for people across the city, he said. It is one of those city-wide heritage features that everyone has fond memories of.

• Don't demolish Jimmy Thompson Pool, says city advisory group

In a report this year, staff said the cheapest option was to demolish the pool at 1099 King St. E. The municipal heritage committee protested, sending an emphatic message to save the pool. Two of Thompsons daughters also threatened to remove his name from the site if the city didnt save the pool.

The pool was built for the 1930 British Empire Games, and is the only surviving structure from thatevent. Thompson won the gold medal for the 4 x 400-yard freestyle relay event. The building faade has Mediterranean architectural element. In 2013, the city added it to its registry of properties with cultural heritage value.

The combination pool and seniors centre are part of a number of new developments at Scott Park. The new Tim Hortons Field stadium is nearing completion. The Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board is also building a new high school there.

The decision will be ratified at a council meeting on April 8.