Moment with the Mayor: The Pool

(Note: I write this column the Tuesday before it is published in the Bean)

Hi Neighbours:

We are having some challenges at the pool. As a precaution, the building has been closed and pool staff are working from another location inside the West Central Events Centre.

Two cracks have been identified in the pool building. We have taken steps to identify the extent of the risk. First, a building inspector was brought in, and then engineers to evaluate the problems. The cracks are thought to be the result of some changes to the original design - the addition of a bolted fire escape to the hollow cinder block wall and the removal of part of the building. The engineers’ report was delivered June 11^th and includes steps to mitigate the risk. Here are some preliminary options under consideration to operate the pool this summer:

·         Repair the walls through filling the cinder blocks with a type of mix to make the wall solid and stable;

·         This cost could approach $100,000, although there are no firm estimates at this time.

·         Use temporary facilities placed next to the pool to be used for office space and change rooms (assuming the filter room walls can be repaired).

The other problem at the pool is that the pipes for the filtration system have cracks, and staff have not been able to start the filtration system. I was on site when a camera guy arrived to inspect the pipes. Within the first ten feet, we could clearly see three cracks in the pipes. Due to the layout of the pipes, all we could see was the first ten feet. It is reasonable to assume that there are more cracks along the lines. The fact that the pool was not designed to be an outdoor pool and is exposed to cold temperatures causes more problems.

Some considerations: We have to be prepared for the pool to be opened late or not at all. We have to make a decision whether we should spend as much as $100,000 for the repairs to the wall, plus an unknown amount to replace the pipes of the filtration system (removing and replacing the concrete deck and installing new pipes).

Administration was directed last night to prepare for a public meeting at our next Council Meeting, June 23^rd, to discuss the challenges and options for the pool. Your insight and attendance would be most appreciated.

My hope was that we could limp along with the pool until we were ready to build a new aquatic centre. I am concerned that the expenses may be cost prohibitive to repair the pool, leaving us without a pool. This leads to the question: What is the expense to our community if we do not have a functional pool for some seasons? Can we afford to invest in an aquatic centre that is so compromised?

Please write or phone if you would like me to discuss a particular topic. If you have any questions or comments, drop me a line at the town office or email me at mayorenns-wind@kindersley.ca. You can also check out my blog at http://mayorjohn.blogspot.ca/. I appreciate your feedback.