UVIC should just start a new degree program: large pool facility maintenance

Then just have the students hands on at the pool. Part of the course requirements is to buy certain books, tools, putty and concrete etc.

Mayor Marianne Alto told the Times Colonist that residents should not be concerned that a “no” vote means no pool.

“I think what it means is we have to figure out another way. I do think we need a rec centre with a pool; the question is, is this the right one?” Alto said. “If the people on [Feb. 8] say no, then we go back to saying, ‘OK, well if not this one, then what?’

“On the other hand, if people say yes, then we go ahead with this one.”

Alto said she can live with whichever result comes out of the vote.

She said she’s heard the concerns raised by some residents and expects if the vote is a “no” it will be for a combination of reasons ranging from the pricetag and impact on property taxes to bad timing or issues with the design.

If that happens, Alto expects the city to go back to the drawing board and find a project that will work.


https://www.timescolonist.com/local-news/victoria-votes-feb-8-on-fate-of-crystal-pool-a-guide-to-whats-at-stake-10098190

^ UVic says it will have to partner with somebody if it's going to fix its pool. According to this story on CHEK yesterday, UVic claims the repair costs are far higher than suggested by the documents obtained by FOI: https://cheknews.ca/uvics-mckinnon-pool-closure-sparks-evaluation-questions-1234597/

.... In a statement, UVic says the 2023 RJC Engineer’s report, along with reports from UVic staff were part of a larger assessment.

“As a result of these assessments, UVic received a summary report that supported the university’s decision to close the pool in September 2024. It’s important to note that the cost estimate provided by RJC for their structural assessment is part of a broader assessment that also included pool support systems, ventilation, mechanical systems, project costs and insurance costs associated with upgrading a facility of this age,” said the University.

They added that this year, the school doesn’t have additional funding available to cover the anticipated remediation and operational costs.

“If the costs of remediation and reopening are not prohibitive from a fundraising and partnership perspective, we would welcome working with those who have shared their willingness to support us in operating the pool on an interim basis.”

The new report is expected to be released in the coming weeks.