Town hires engineers to assess state of the swimming pool

An engineering company has been hired to help decide the fate of the local swimming pool.

Manasc Isaac Architects, a firm based out of Edmonton, will be conducting an engineering study and needs assessment for the pool. The company took a trip to Bonnyville to conduct a preliminary assessment before submitting their bid of $24,700.

"They are actually the same architectural firm that just finished the library feasibly study and did our Town Hall feasibility study before that," said Bill Rogers, Assistant CAO for the Town of Bonnyville.

The project will be conducted in order to give council and administration some solid numbers, so they can decide what steps should be taken regarding the future of the swimming pool.

"We need to get a review of the building and find out if it is worth putting some money into and keeping this one going for a while, or whether we should really be pursuing a new facility," said CAO Mark Power.

The study will include a review of architectural, electrical, mechanical and structural systems to identify the overall state of the current facility and provide cost scenarios for potential improvements or replacements.

"We need to satisfy all of the people who have been asking about the pool and if we need a new one," said Coun. Lorna Storoschuk. "I think this will satisfy them."

The future of the swimming pool has been a hot topic among residents over the past few months. Around 15 people attended the town's 2016 budget open house back in December to voice their concerns around the current state of the facility.

A citizen's committee was formed at this meeting, which will see a passionate group of residents continue the conversation around a new swimming pool and lobby for funds.

Council successfully approved the project and should be able to make a decision regarding the pool once the study is completed.