RM of Springfield Co-op Community Pool receives $150,000 from Co-op’s Community Spaces

For immediate release: June 16, 2025.

The RM of Springfield Co-op Community Pool in Dugald is one of 14 projects selected to receive a portion of the $1 million Co-op Community Spaces funding in 2025. This year, Beausejour, Pembina & Red River Co-op are proud to announce Springfield Heritage Housing Inc. (SHHI) is receiving $150,000 in support of their indoor community pool project that will be included in the new $29M Assisted Living Residence which is currently under construction in Dugald.

“We’re incredibly proud to team up with Pembina & Red River Co-op to support this initiative.” said Kevin Van Den Bussche, General Manager (Beausejour Co-op). “This project is a shining example of what we can achieve when we work together for the good of our community.”

“An indoor pool is the most requested amenity in the RM of Springfield” said Mayor Patrick Therrien. “The Co-op Community Pool, approximately 30 ft x 60 ft in size, can handle up to 50 swimmers at a time and will bring seniors and youngsters from the community together,” added Therrien.  Swimming lessons will be run by the RM of Springfield Recreation Department, and seniors will have free access to the pool at dedicated times.

Co-op Community Spaces is designed to help protect, beautify and improve spaces across Western Canada. Since 2015, Community Spaces has invested a total of $14.5 million in 203 projects in three categories: recreation, environmental conservation and urban agriculture. FCL administers Community Spaces on behalf of more than 150 local Co-ops operating in 650 communities.

“We are grateful for the support of the Co-op organization,” said Lesley Thomson, Chair of the Board of Springfield Heritage Housing.  “Not only is it an important component of our new Dugald Place Assisted Living Residence,” she added, “the pool responds to the aquatic needs of over 2000 school-aged children in the municipality.”

With the United Nations declaring 2025 the International Year of the Co-operative, this year’s program carries greater purpose and significance than ever before. Through initiatives like Community Spaces, Co-op is proud to celebrate the meaningful contributions co-operatives – such as these three Co-ops – make to communities at home and around the world.

Learn more about the program and its recipients at communityspaces.ca.