The proposal to close the pool at MacEwan University to combat a shortage $5.5 million has been deferred. This ensues owing to widespread protests by students and staff who claim that the decision was taken without their consultation or consent.

Students and staff had protested that the closure of the pool would have a negative impact on their fitness.

The University came out in defense of the pronouncement saying that shutting down the pool would save $500,000 a year.

However the University has now succumbed to the demands of the students and staff and has resolved to appraise the decision with the help of a team comprising students and staff. The review will be completed by March 31,
2011. The University will use reserve resources to manage the pool till then.

Students were pleased by the postponement. The pool will now be available for another year.

The students expect the institution to make an honest effort in taking into consideration the opinions of the students and staff while reviewing the decision.

Spokesman David Beharry said, “The university will conduct a thorough review and an internal task team will be established with members from the three associations: faculty association, students’ association, and staff association”.