07/06/2026
Celebrating 50 years of our municipal pool!
Last Tuesday, as part of our Heritage Days celebrations, we had the opportunity to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Ruben Yli-Juuti Municipal Pool and Fitness Centre.
An indoor swimming pool in Elliot Lake began as the dream of Ruben Yli-Juuti and became a reality through the hard work and perseverance of a dedicated Swimming Pool Fund Committee. The committee held its first meeting in the fall of 1970, chaired by Ruben, with Steve Elliot, Jim Collett, Ernie Dixon, Ted Hyndman, Bruce Smith, Andy Rickaby, Sid Alemany, Carol Purss, and Paul Sillanpaa in attendance, along with their wives, whose support was instrumental throughout the campaign.
After more than six years of fundraising through various sportsmen's shows, walkathons, dances, gas-o-ramas, and dunking booths, combined with generous contributions from Denison Mines, Rio Algom, and a Wintario grant, the pool officially opened on July 6, 1976.
Then: Ruben Yli-Juuti cuts the ribbon alongside 1976 Miss Elliot Lake, Zora Gentile (née Vlahovich).
Now: Ruben's son, Rick Juuti, recreates the iconic moment with Zora, joined by her granddaughter, Emma.
Following Ruben's passing in 2011, the municipal pool was renamed in his honour, recognizing his tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to bringing this community facility to life.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this milestone, and a special thank you to Rick for continuing his father's legacy through his years of swim coaching, advocacy, and ongoing support of our public pool.
