The Kimberley Aquatic Centre is still on track to re-open in late July, after over three months of repairs required due to a catastrophic water failure.

On April 21, corroded restraints broke and allowed the six inch water main to shift, filling the electrical/pump room in the basement of the Kimberley Aquatic Centre to the ceiling within minutes. Damage was estimated at $200,000 by the insurance company.

Work to replace the electrical panels and pumps has recently been completed by a flood restoration company, and an engineer was onsite on July 19 to make final recommendations to ensure that the water main will not fail in the future.

The insurance adjuster has given their approval to carry out the remaining work, so city staff will make modifications to the restraints and deal with corrosion that led to the initial flood. Other issues still outstanding are the installation of an improved alarm system that will call out when water is detected, and the modification of the handrail on the stairway that will allow for safe exit in a flood emergency.

Once the work on the outstanding issues is complete, the pool will be filled, leak-tested and commissioned to meet insurance requirements.

The Aquatic Centre staff members have continued to be employed during the pool closure, and have been working in the Operations Department and the Parks, Recreation and Facilities Department.

Notification will be given to the public when a confirmed re-opening date is established.

City of Kimberley

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