Grant MacEwan University officials have bowed to public pressure and put off the decision to close the school’s pool for one year. The announcement came in a news release on Thursday afternoon.
The decision to close the pool caused outrage from students, faculty, and members of the public who were upset that they had not been consulted.
Two protests were held outside the school.
Many seniors who attended the protests said that they bought condos near the pool because the MacEwan pool is warmer than other pools and has special facilities to help swimmers with disabilities.
The school claimed that a budget shortfall was the reason for the pool closure and that removing the pool would save approximately $500,000 in operating costs per year. The school planned to use the space to expand the fitness centre.
Grant MacEwan University says a thorough review will be performed and students and faculty associations will be consulted. The review is expected to be completed by March 31, 2011.
The school will use funds from reserves to fund operations of the pool until June 30, 2011.
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