Section three of this document speaks to moving further with the project development once there are positive indicators that a sport friendly pool is an option for the municipality. This section informs the working group of the benefits of aquatic sport to both the individual and the community, conditions that should support an aquatic sport friendly pool. The initial step is to ensure that there is a need for a new or refurbished pool. This guide does not propose that stakeholders advocate for a sport friendly pool when there is no need for additional pool(s) within a community.

When asked, representatives from the municipal sector indicated that most of the following ideal conditions would have to be in place before they could recommend an aquatic sport friendly facility to Committees of Council and Council;

• The population would need to be growing and a pent up demand demonstrated for both aquatic recreational activity (lessons, public swim) and aquatic sport
• The pool provision standard would indicate that construction of a new pool or refurbishment of an existing pool is timely or past due
• An evaluation of other aquatic facility/program providers would need to demonstrate that there is pent up demand or little access available for the public and aquatic sport clubs
• Articulation of anticipated user data based on demographics, user types and projected use
• The community would need to endorse or demonstrate support for the design of a sport friendly pool and possibly combined with elements of more leisure type elements (adjacent learn to swim pool, slides etc).
• The benefits of an aquatic sport friendly pool would need to be understood and promoted
• A facility needs assessment/study would need to describe the pool components as supported by current and projected uses
• A reasonable estimate of capital costs and available capital funding sources
• A business plan outlining the programming of the facility and a five year operating budget pro-forma
• The demonstrated ability of the tax base to support the ongoing pool deficit

While these requirements seem extensive, they are the base requirements for each facility type be they arenas, fitness centres, community spaces or outdoor amenities. It will be important for the team building the case to populate these data requirements. Having said that the responsibility to gather, analyze, and report out should not rest solely with the aquatic interest groups or the municipality; there should be a joint effort, an integrated approach that takes an honest look at the information and can build options and recommendations as a collective.