Kamloops city council has voted unanimously to increase funding for the Canada Games Pool project.
The whole project will now cost just under $13.5 million dollars – up from $9 million – which will upgrade the building and many facilities inside including the HVAC system, the lighting, boilers, hot tub, sauna, and steam room among others.
To facilitate the repairs, the pool will be shut down for six months, starting on June 29th. Staff say there’s a chance that the closure will be smaller, depending on how work progresses.
On the Jeff Andreas Show, Capital Projects Manager Darren Crundwell says it is doing what it can to limit disruptions including extending the hours at Brock Pool and Westsyde Pool.
“The recreation team has had lots of conversations with all the stakeholders and user groups. Part of the reason we are starting in June is because it’s at the end of one meet. And then we need to have it open by January because there is another significant meet,” he said.
“We are doing everything we can to mitigate that but obviously there are going to be impacts to the user groups.”
Residents with memberships that include pool access will be compensated for the pool closure with a credit that can be put towards a gym and/or track membership, a recreation program, or other facility pass. Members can also opt for a refund.
“We’re excited for all the improvements this project will bring to this facility, particularly with regard to its sustainability and accessibility,” said Community and Protective Services Director Byron McCorkell. “The pool is incredibly well-used by the community, and this project will extend its life by another 30 years.”
While construction takes place, the rest of the Tournament Capital Centre (TCC) will remain open. However, Hillside Stadium will be closed in June to replace the artificial turf. That project will cost more than $550,000 and should be done by early July.
And as the work progresses, the city will update residents on the status of the project online.
– With files from Jeff Andreas and Colton Davies
