Nearly a month after it was supposed to reopen, the pool at the Trail Aquatic and Leisure Centre remains closed.
Municipal services manager Jared Miner told city council this week that it was hard to say when it will finally be back in business, but staff are hoping for the middle of October.
The aquatic and fitness centres shut down for annual maintenance on Aug. 9. The fitness centre reopened on Aug. 25, while the pool was expected to reopen on Sept. 8.
However, the city announced that a piece of critical mechanical equipment failed on startup. Specifically, the heat exchangers leaked. They haven’t been able to fix it yet, for while they were able to source replacement parts, it takes time to have them produced and shipped.
“We can’t be certain about the dates,” Miner told council. “We’re dependent on delivery times for materials to repair the equipment that malfunctioned.”
He said once they hear that the material has shipped, they will have a better idea of timelines.
The extended shutdown has forced the reprogramming of the fall schedule, including swimming lessons and aquafit classes, Miner said, but they have not received complaints. People who were registered for programs or lessons have been contacted directly.
Once the facility does reopen, four new lifeguards will be on staff, he added.
For those using the fitness centre, annual shutdown rates remain in effect until the pool reopens.
