Sherbrook Pool set to re-open after lengthy repairs

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This article was published 08/01/2017 (3506 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

More than four years after swimmers took their last strokes, the Sherbrook Pool will reopen on Monday.

The 86-year-old pool, which closed in November 2012 after structural problems were found, will open its doors following more than $4 million in repairs and renovations and another $245,000 for a new pool tank recirculation system.

Karla Dueck Thiessen, who was with the Sherbrook Sharks Swim Club, said everyone is pleased the pool is set to reopen.

“It’s great for the community,” she said on Sunday.

“There are lots of new families that have moved in since it closed and there is a need for learn to swim programs there. The pool is such a help for that.

“Our neighbourhood needs good progams to keep kids healthy.”

The pool had been in danger of closing for good, with civic staff recommending it be torn down, but after the community rallied together to save it, funding came forward from the city, province, and the Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg.

The pool was actually set to reopen a few times last year, but then leaks were found and later the problem with the recirculation system.

Dueck Thiessen said the community tried to keep the Sharks Swim Club together at another pool, but it finally disbanded due to the long period of time the renovations and repairs took. She said if there is interest the club could be started again.

Coun. Cindy Gilroy (Daniel McIntyre) could not be reached for comment, but in a recent ward report she said she wanted to thank everyone who helped make “the restoration of this neighbourhood treasure a reality.

“A special thank you to the Friends of Sherbrook Pool, who have been tireless advocates for the community members that will be using this space again soon, and to the City of Winnipeg staff who have been working closely with the neighbourhood in order to collaborate on programming and provide updates about the restoration progress.”

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca