A piece of 20th century Cochrane history is going up for sale.
After 74 years in operation, the Arctic Bathing Club in Cochrane is selling its property on Pool’s Lake.
President Dan Belisle says membership has dwindled from an all-time high of about 70 members to eleven, and the club can longer afford upkeep, taxes and insurance.
The club has been a fellowship of business owners and professionals, borrowing from the Finnish culture of which so many came from.
“The men would go out there usually on Wednesdays because the businesses were not open on Wednesdays,”’ he recounts, “and they would have a sauna and probably a few beer.”
Since 1948, the club has introduced local and visiting business owners and professionals to sauna and polar bear dipping.
“There’s a clubhouse which I would say is about maybe 800 sq. ft.,” Belisle outlines, “and then there’s a large sauna with a change room closer to the lake.”
(Dan Belisle)
The clubhouse or cottage will have to be torn down in the next few years. Belisle says it’s a great spot for a cottage.
To get there, you turn east at the Four-Mile Corner, then left on Pool’s Lake Road, just after crossing the Bailey bridge.
Belisle says sale proceeds will be put into an endowment to buy equipment for Lady Minto Hospital.
