End of an Era: Beloved PPK Pool in West Island Closes Its Gates After Six Decades of Summer Memories

A profound sense of loss has settled over Montreal's West Island as residents grapple with the news that the beloved PPK Pool in Pointe-Claire, a summer institution for nearly six decades, will close its gates permanently. The announcement marks the end of an era for countless families who have splashed, learned, and forged unforgettable memories within its walls since 1965.

For 59 vibrant years, the PPK Pool, nestled at 60 Terra Cotta Avenue, was more than just a place to swim; it was the pulsating heart of summer in the community.

Generations of children took their first strokes here, teenagers found their summer solace, and families gathered to escape the heat, creating a tapestry of shared experiences that define West Island summers. Its closure is not merely the shutdown of a facility, but the tearing away of a deeply ingrained piece of local history and a cherished social hub.

The decision, while painful, comes after years of wrestling with escalating structural problems and the prohibitive costs associated with maintaining an aging infrastructure.

Initially, in 2021, the city had earmarked $1.5 million for necessary repairs. However, subsequent, more in-depth assessments revealed the true extent of the deterioration. Officials discovered significant underlying issues, including soil instability and extensively corroded pipes, pushing the estimated repair bill to a staggering $5.5 million – a figure deemed unsustainable for a facility nearing its sixth decade.

Pointe-Claire Mayor Marc-Olivier Desormeaux expressed the council's difficult position, emphasizing that despite the emotional attachment, it became clear that such an investment into an almost 60-year-old pool, with the ever-present risk of uncovering further hidden defects, was not financially viable or fiscally responsible for the taxpayers.

"This was an incredibly tough decision," he stated, reflecting the weight of the community's sentiment.

The news has sparked widespread disappointment and a wave of nostalgia among residents. Melanie Miller, a long-time local, articulated the community's heartbreak, lamenting the loss of an accessible and vital space for children's summer activities.

"It's where our kids spent their summers, where friendships were made, and where countless joyful moments happened," she shared, echoing the sentiments of many who feel a significant void will be left in their summer routines.

The city explored various alternatives, from temporary fixes to relocating, but ultimately concluded that the pool's structural integrity had deteriorated beyond reasonable repair.

While the municipality has plans for a new, state-of-the-art aquatic complex, it remains a project several years away, offering little immediate comfort to a community grieving the imminent loss of its beloved PPK Pool. For now, the echoes of laughter and splashing water will slowly fade, leaving behind a legacy of cherished memories and a quiet reminder of summers past.