Pool issues push back opening of new Corner Brook rec centre

Mechanical issues with the pool inside Corner Brook's new recreation centre have delayed its opening once again, with the city's mayor saying it could be months before it's open to the public.

The recreation centre was first announced in2020 on Memorial University's Grenfell Campus. The $25-million project was supposed to open in the summer of 2023, whichwas pushed to September of this year.

But Mayor Jim Parsons says there's still issues that need to be addressed with the pool.

"There are still though a number of issues that the contractor has to resolve before we're willing to take the keys," Parsons said earlier this month. They include mechanical issues and work to be completed underneath the pool.

"It's a long-term project, and so it's really important that we get it right. So, you know, if we got to wait a couple more months to get it right, we will do that. It's really frustrating, and you know we're really eager to get this thing open."

Along with multiple pools, the buildingwill also house a fitness centre and a daycareoperated by the YMCA available to both residents of Corner Brook and students at the university.

Swimmers currently have limited access to a pool at the Arts and Culture Centre, which saw maintenance delays of its own before reopening to the public on Monday.

Derek Koranteng, vice president of external affairs ofthe Grenfell student union, told CBC News students are feeling frustrated.

"It's a little bit frustrating especially for students coming into the 2024/25 semester. Having a new gym, a new fitness centre and a new pool and all of that, and we come back and [they] say 'Oh, its not open yet and they don't have any updates," he said.

"There's a lot of questions, but there's no answers to those questions."

Parsons said the city and Memorial have an agreement in place to allow students to accessthe city's Civic Centre Studio for sports and fitness. Koranteng told CBC News students can access all ofthe facilities for $140 a semester.

Korantengargued that price is too high given the gym's aging equipment, inopportune hours for students and its distance from campus.

"Students don't want to leave campus and walk all the way to the civic centre to go have just some fun. It would be nice to just leave your room and two minutes [later] you're in the gym," he said.

WATCH | Students are angry that a new pool is months behind schedule:

As delays plague pool in Corner Brook, Grenfell campus student union is fed up

4 days ago

Duration 1:07

Corner Brooks new recreation centre was supposed to open in September, and the pool, on the back of MUNs Grenfell campus, will serve city residents and students. Students say they are tired of waiting, and any opening date is likely months away.

Parsons said an official opening day hasn't been set, and didn't want to speculate to overpromise and underdeliver.

"It's a while yet. And even after we get the keys and access and are able to use the building as we see fit, it's going to take a number of weeks to make sure that all the systems are working correctly," he said.

"The good news is is that we have been doing work on that for quite a while. So we're really eager. As soon as we get those keys, we're able to move in and get to work."

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