Sherbrook Pool to reopen: Katz

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This article was published 04/12/2013 (3404 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Money will be found to repair and reopen the Sherbrook Pool, Mayor Sam Katz said Wednesday.

Katz said the approximately $2.8 million needed to refurbish the pool and to make it safe can easily be found, adding he expects the project will get underway next year.

“I believe we can get that Sherbrook pool opened, I truly believe that,” Katz said following the executive policy committee meeting this morning.

Criticism has been leveled at Katz and his EPC because no funds were identified in the 2014 budget for the 83-year-old pool, which was closed a year ago over concerns the roof could collapse.

After the pool was closed a year ago, the city launched a community consultation process in the Daniel McIntyre ward to determine the community’s recreational needs.

The administration appeared to be opposed to re-opening the pool, believing it would be a wasted investment in an antiquated and under-used facility.

However, Katz said this morning that it’s clear the area residents want the pool re-opened.

Katz said it would cost about $1 million to stabilize the columns that support the roof and provide a new roof, and an additional $1.8 million to upgrade the facility’s heating, mechanical and electrical systems.

Katz said that just because the money wasn’t allocated in the budget, doesn’t mean it’s not available.

“Sometimes people have concerns because they don’t have all the facts,” Katz said. “There’s more money in there, don’t worry.

“Sometimes you have to get creative….I think there are a couple of creative ways to accomplish this.”

aldo.santin@freepress.mb.ca