Heather Wright/The Independent

People hoping to go for a swim at the Moore Sports Complex are out of luck.

The pool has closed as of today to begin renovations.

St. Clair Township, which owns the complex, has been upgrading the community hub for several years and has been planning work on the pool area for about two years.

The township received a $1.5 million provincial grant in 2025 to repair the pool deck. As the Community Services department prepared for the upgrade, officials found the iron pipes in the change room were in critical condition and in need of replacement . Officials said more money would be needed to complete both projects.

There was some concern the renovations would have to be done over two years, lengthening the time the facility would be closed to the public. But township council decided to use cash provided by Clean Harbors tipping fees to make sure the repairs were done all at one time.

In an email to The Independent, CAO John Rodey said the pool closed April 1. “Staff at the complex is starting some of the demolition work to open some of the areas for contractors biding on the project to see behind the walls,” he wrote.

“Everything at the pool will be cancelled as of today until the end of construction.”

Eventually, the construction is likely to impact other parts of the complex, Rodey said.

“We are keeping the fitness centre open as long as possible, but it will be closed as construction progresses.”

The arena, he said, will not be affected.

Originally, staff hoped the construction could be complete between April and September. But with the additional work, Rodey said it is not clear when the pool will reopen. “We cannot predict at this time how long the project will take it is a large project and an old building.”

The township is currently waiting for contractors to bid on the project. Rodey says the winning bidder will be selected in May.

“At that time, we will have a better idea of the cost and timing,” he said in the email.