Back to Search
Repair work at Kinsmen Pool is in its final stages.
The work was originally planned to be wrapped up in September, but the project has faced delays specifically around lighting and extensive damage done to the tile on the pool deck.
The lighting repairs are done, which has allowed the contractors to start the repairs on the damaged tile. Unfortunately, the repairs couldn’t be done simultaneously because of the installation and cure time requirements of tile.
As a result, a date for the pool’s re-opening is not available currently as work is still underway, but it is expected to re-open in the early part of the New Year. Once the project is handed back to the City of Pembroke by the contractors as complete, the Parks and Recreation Department can then identify an exact date for re-opening. The department estimates it will take two to three weeks to perform the work needed to re-open the pool after the contractors’ work is complete. Additionally, the City will need approvals from both the Renfrew County and District Health Unit and Ministry of Labour.
The fencing around the pool building is scheduled to be removed in the coming days.
“The ongoing renovations have been unexpected, but necessary to be ready for safe use of our pool facility,” says Mayor Ron Gervais. “We are excited to see the project continuing to move along and continue to ask for patience as we finalize the project.”
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 to move forward with the $1.4M repairs to the pool building with Township of Laurentian Valley confirming it would contribute up to 30% of the net cost to a maximum of $420,000.
At the March 19 Parks and Recreation Committee meeting, Council voted to award the contract for the pool repair project, which includes the removal, supply, and replacement and installation of the walls and roof of the existing Butler building.
The project has been ongoing since June.
Additional funds to support the project will be provided by the Friends of the Regional Pool, which has a fundraising goal of $200,000. To date the Friends have raised $92,000. Fundraising is ongoing, including their current raffle. Tickets are $20 each or 3 for $50 and are available at Blok Pools, OK Tire, and Sunset Nursery. For other Friends’ fundraising initiatives, please visit makeasplash.ca.
As this project 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.
Subscribe