WINNIPEG – A new city report says it will cost taxpayers more than $6-million to repair and maintain Winnipeg’s oldest swimming pool.
The 81-year-old Sherbrook Pool has been closed since September when corrosion was found on the steel columns holding up the roof.
“What we found originally was hidden from view,” said the City of Winnipeg’s Iain Day.
A recent 77 page report on the pool found it needs $2.8-million in repairs before it can re-open and another $3.5-million for additional repairs over the next 20 years.
“We have no way of predicting what will go wrong with the infrastructure in that building,” said Day. “The heating, the ventilation could go at any time so we’re just anticipating that’s what we’d have to spend to maintain it.”
Last September, the pool was suddenly closed after severe corrosion was found on 10 of 12 steel beams holding up the roof. The pool deck and roof were also in poor shape.
The report suggests the city first consult with residents but Friends of Sherbrook Pool say they want repairs done soon.
“We see that as very affordable and a good investment and that would get us at least 20 years out of the pool,” said Marianne Cerilli, Chair of Friends of Sherbrook Pool.
Even if it was repaired, it would still cost the city roughly $800,000 a year to maintain it – twice as much as it would cost to maintain a newer pool. Some say that may be the route to go.
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“It’s an older pool,” said North Kildonan city councillor Jeff Browaty. “Maybe it’s time to do an investment in the area with a new pool.”
Browaty says building a new pool would cost about $20-million but saving on the annual maintenance costs could make it worthwhile.
“Should they expect to have a first-class, new facility?” said Browaty. “Perhaps maybe they should. We haven’t been investing in new pools for an extended period of time in the city.”
The decision to build a new pool would be a lengthy and tough one. The 81-year-old building is classified as a heritage building and can not be torn down.
Some 200 children learn how to swim here every year. Right now, they’re being bused to other pools.
The report is to be considered next week by council’s committee on Property and Development next week.
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