Coronation town council focused on the repair or replacement of the town’s swimming pool and hot tub in discussions at the regular Coronation town council meeting held on May 13.
It was noted that the base of the hot tub at the Coronation swimming pool requires significant repair.
Council considered options for either repairing or replacing the aging facilities.
“It’s almost 40 years old,” noted Chief Assistant Officer (CAO) Quinton Flint and highlighted the extent of the required repairs, estimating the cost at over $24,000 for the hot tub alone.
Flint pointed out that a new hot tub of the same or larger size might be more cost-effective in the long term as there is no guarantee that repairs would last, potentially leading to higher future costs.
Flint noted that over the past few years, approximately $60,000 has been spent on patching the pool, but the fixes have only delayed inevitable deterioration.
Deputy Mayor Ron Checkel inquired about replacing the hot tub this year and completing the rest next but Coun. Cody Hillmer recommended doing all the work simultaneously to avoid additional damage.
Flint suggested that increasing the pool temperature could compensate for not having a hot tub this year.
The council discussed the challenges posed by the age of the facilities and the comparable costs of repair versus replacement.
Repairing the hot tub and pool would involve removing fixtures like drains, inlets, and handrails, preparing the surfaces by saw-cutting and grinding off deteriorated marcite, and ensuring the substrate is clean.
Professional application of various mortars and epoxy coatings would be necessary, followed by reinstalling the fixtures.
CAO Flint noted that this project is too costly to include in the 2024 budget.
An alternative proposal included replacing the pool and hot tub with a new system and adding a spray park in the under utilized southeast corner behind the slide. Council agreed to explore available designs based on space and budget and expressed willingness to involve the community in the design process.
Flint suggested a meeting with Automated Aquatics Canada Ltd. to explore the financial implications of building new facilities, potentially starting this year or next, but within the next five years.
Mayor Matthew Peacock suggested benefits of new technology would mean a new pool would last longer. Flint agreed, adding that the new liners are not attached to the concrete base making replacement easier as well the piping is exposed so that required maintenance or repair could be done separately.
The liner could also be repaired if ripped, allowing for easier and cheaper maintenance as compared to the annual $2,000 painting costs of the current grout and mortar structure.
The scarcity of recreation grants was emphasized.
Depending on designs and quotes to replace the existing structures and to add a splash park, CAO Flint recommended to plan to shut down the facilities by fall to have new ones ready for the next season.
Cost estimates for hot tub replacement as well as estimates for a new pool, hot tub and splash park will be presented for council review as soon as options are discussed with Automatic Aquatics.
Councilor Brett motioned that administration be given time to continue pricing the hot tub and swimming pool facility.
Water metre installation
The final order for water metres was made for the year, with the last 60 metres to be installed. The larger metres for the hospital and school are expected to be installed by fall.
It was noted by CAO Flint that a few residents are still not on the new metres and that council will continue to issue monthly notices until September, after which time water services will be switched over to the new system.
At that time only the new system will be operational and any resident not on the new system will incur a $600 charge as well as a disconnection and reconnection fee.
Cheryl Bowman
Multimedia Reporter
ECA Review
