The Kinsmen Pool Butler building will be repaired in 2024.
At the March 19 Parks and Recreation Committee meeting, Council voted to award the contract for the repair project, which includes the removal, supply, and replacement and installation of the walls and roof of the existing Butler building.
The project is expected to wrap up in September.
The pool has been closed since January 5 following reports the facility had progressively worsened over time, as well as concerns about the roof’s ability to handle snow or rain load and heavy winds.
In January, Council voted move forward with the $1.4M repairs to the pool building pending 25% cost commitment from neighbouring municipalities, municipal partners, and other sources. In February, Township of Laurentian Valley confirmed it would contribute up to 30% of the net cost to a maximum of $420,000.
Additional funds to support the project may also be available through a Trillium Foundation Grant. The newly-formed Friends of the Regional Pool group has applied through the Foundation’s capital grant funding stream.
“This collaborative effort is helping to keep an important asset in our community while Council explores options on a new facility,” says Mayor Ron Gervais. “The community made clear the value it sees in a public pool, and these repairs will make our facility ready for the next step for safe use.”
As this work moves forward, City staff are working on the plan and timeline for the pool and programming to reopen. This information will be made available when it is decided.