MOUNT FOREST - The Mount Forest Aquatics Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee is excited to announce that the Township of Southgate has committed $250,000 towards the construction of the new Mount Forest Outdoor Pool.
The Township of Southgate notified the Township of Wellington North on May 28, 2025 that Southgate Council passed a motion to contribute $50,000 per year for five years, for a total of $250,000, to a reserve account that will be held by the Township of Southgate until construction of the new Mount Forest Outdoor Pool begins.
“The Township of Wellington North is deeply grateful for the Township of Southgate’s generous $250,000 pledge toward the new Mount Forest Outdoor Pool,” said Councillor Sherry Burke, chair of the Mount Forest Aquatics Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee. “This contribution is a testament to the long-standing spirit of collaboration between our two communities. We are proud of the shared vision and commitment that continues to strengthen our partnership, and we look forward to the positive impact this new facility will have on residents of all ages.”
Township of Southgate Mayor Brian Milne echoed Burke’s comments, also noting the long-standing partnership between the two communities.
“The Township of Southgate and the Township of Wellington North have been great neighbours for many years and have partnered on a number of projects that benefit our residents. When the opportunity to contribute to the pool project arose Southgate Council was quick to agree that this was something we wanted to be a part of,” said Mayor Milne. “Good luck Wellington North on this exciting project and we look forward to you making a splash in the near future!”
The new Mount Forest Outdoor Pool will be located on Princess Street, adjacent to the Mount Forest and District Sports Complex. The approximately $5.3 million project has a community fundraising goal of $2.5 million. Once 80 per cent of the fundraising target has been met, next steps in the construction of the new outdoor pool will begin. With this pledge from the Township of Southgate, more than $1 million has been pledged or donated to the project to date.
The Mount Forest Aquatics Ad-Hoc Advisory Committee welcomes the opportunity to speak to local committee groups, service clubs and businesses about the new Mount Forest Outdoor Pool, which will be known as the T.D. Smith Aquatic Centre when it opens. For more information or to book a presentation, please contact Sherry Burke at 519-321-1533 or sburke@wellington-north.ca, or Ray Tout at 519-323-7794 or raymondtout@gmail.com.