Heather Wright/The Independent

A major leak will need to be repaired without funding help from either the provincial or federal government.

Plympton-Wyoming knew the well used pool needed upgrades and had applied for $200,000 from a provincial community recreation infrastructure grant program for help. But the application was denied. 

“During preparations for the 2025 season, staff identified a leak in the bottom drain system, resulting in structural heaving of the pool floor,” writes Director of Public Works, Paul da Silva in a report to council.  “Temporary measures have been implemented to allow for operation through 2025, but permanent repairs are necessary if we plan to open the pool in 2026.”

da Silva approached Hollandia Pools, which works with other municipalities on their infrastructure, to provide a solution. The company said it could complete a partial repair for $248,000; that would allow for just limited operation of the pool. It offered a full repair of the problem for $470,000 or $1.4 million if the town wanted to replace the pool.

The town originally estimated the fix at $200,000.

da Silva says that is beyond the town’s budget. But he says it would be best to complete the full repair of the leak. 

Normally, the town would put work like this out for bids, but da Silva says there isn’t enough time this year.

“A formal tendering process at this stage could delay the project and jeopardize the limited construction window available in fall 2025,” he writes.

While a provincial grant isn’t available, da Silva says there is about $273,400 set aside for the work already including donations from local service clubs, the community foundation and $35,000 the town has in a reserve.

That leaves the town looking for $196,600 to complete the work. da Silva suggested, and council agreed, to try to find the money in the town’s infrastructure reserve “to ensure the project proceeds in 2025.

“Failure to proceed with the rehabilitation would place the 2026 operating season at serious risk and may lead to further structural degradation and cost escalation,” he added.