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Eroded roof supports behind closure of Sherbrook pool, says councillor

By: Jen Skerritt

Posted: 12/20/2012 11:12 AM | Comments: 0 | Last Modified: 12/20/2012 1:35 PM | Updates

Staff discovered erosion on the 10 pillars that support the Sherbrook Pool's roof. (TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

The city closed Sherbrook Pool after inspectors discovered pillars holding up the roof have eroded, Daniel McIntyre Coun. Harvey Smith revealed Thursday.

The City of Winnipeg closed the pool at the end of November following an inspection and cancelled all swimming lessons. Winnipeg officials have hired a private engineering firm to assist city staff with an assessment.

The city has not disclosed the specific reason for the pool's closure, raising the ire of pool patrons and neighbourhood groups wondering when it might reopen.

Smith said staff discovered erosion on the 10 pillars that support the building's roof. The problem was discovered after an inspector saw paint peeling off a pillar and dug deeper to find the erosion, he said.

Smith said officials didn't know what the potential risk was and decided to get everyone out of the facility as a precaution.

The city did not disclose the reason for the closure to avoid getting people "excited" and staff are doing their utmost to resolve the issue, he said.

Friends of Sherbrook Pool board president John Hutton said keeping people in the dark is not a good way to quell panic. The community group has supported the facility for years, raising $5 million for the pool,he said.

To date, Hutton said City of Winnipeg officials have not told the group or patrons of the pool why it was abruptly closed. He called the move "disrespectful" and said the community wants to be part of the solution.

History

Updated on Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 1:35 PM CST: adds missing word

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