The repair work at Kinsmen Pool is nearing its final stages, with the project now expected to be completed in the early part of the New Year. Originally scheduled to finish in September, the project experienced delays due to issues with lighting repairs and extensive damage to the pool deck tiles.
The lighting repairs have now been completed, allowing contractors to begin the necessary work on the damaged tiles. However, due to the specific installation and curing requirements of the tile, these repairs couldn’t be done at the same time. As a result, a precise reopening date for the pool is unavailable.
Once the contractors finish their work and the project is handed back to the City of Pembroke, the Parks and Recreation Department will need two to three weeks to prepare the facility for reopening. This includes obtaining necessary approvals from the Renfrew County and District Health Unit and the Ministry of Labour.
Fencing around the pool building is expected to be removed in the coming days, signaling progress toward the facility’s return to use.
Mayor Ron Gervais commented, “The ongoing renovations have been unexpected but necessary to prepare our pool facility for safe use. We are excited to see the project moving along and ask for patience as we finalize it.”
The pool has been closed since January 5 due to concerns about the facility’s condition, including the roof’s ability to handle heavy snow, rain, and winds. In response, the City Council approved $1.4 million for repairs, with the Township of Laurentian Valley contributing up to 30% of the cost, up to $420,000.
The project, which began in June, includes the removal and replacement of the walls and roof of the existing Butler building. Additional funding for the repairs is being raised by the Friends of the Regional Pool, who have set a fundraising goal of $200,000. To date, they have raised $92,000. Their ongoing fundraising efforts include a raffle, with tickets available at local businesses.
As the project moves forward, City staff are also working on plans for the pool’s reopening and future programming. Further details will be shared once the reopening timeline is finalized.
(Written by: Emma Butler)