The town of Paradise is launching a feasibility study into the development of a new public swimming pool.

For years residents have been calling for a public pool, one of the few sporting and recreational amenities that remain lacking.

A survey has already been conducted with more than 1,600 responses.

Mayor Dan Bobbett says a pool might require a tax increase, and the feasibility study will give them a better understanding about the cost to taxpayers and whether federal or provincial funding might be in the offing.

He says residents still rate a swimming pool as a top priority for the town.

“We wanted to do a comprehensive study on it,” says Bobbett.

Stantec has been selected as the successful bidder.