Pool

In 2018, the Town converted the pool to a traditional chlorine system and implemented a comprehensive plan to replace damaged equipment and features within the natatorium. Additionally, it was recognized that the original construction did not include sufficient HVAC capacity to adequately maintain indoor air quality; the existing system only provided about half the required capacity. 

The need for these upgrades has not been due to poor operating or maintenance practices. The Town adheres to a robust Asset Management Plan, ensuring diligent reinvestment in the facility. Staff have proactively maintained, replaced, or updated mechanical equipment according to schedule or when premature failures occurred due to the saline and excessively humid environment. 

The extension is due to the delay of the new HVAC unit, which is central to this renovation. The unit is custom-mounted on the roof and has a delivery timeline of 22 weeks (plus the timing to tender and award). Due to the condition of the natatorium, it was advised that the pool be shut down for safety and to prevent further degradation of the structure and equipment. This has necessitated the November start time. The project schedule was adapted to utilize the long lead time for the new HVAC unit effectively. Significant work has been required, and some has already been completed prior to the arrival of the new unit, including thorough investigations, shop drawings, demolition, sprinkler modifications, pool deck drain replacement, piping modifications, and preparation work. 

Upon closing the pool, scaffolding was installed to allow for further in-depth investigation using lifts of the existing structure, walls, and piping (including destructive testing). During the investigation, additional issues within the natatorium were uncovered, such as corrosion on the structure, excessive soluble salt contamination, poor paint adhesion, excessive pitting of the sprinkler piping, improper paint usage, and moisture-damaged drywall. These unexpected items have added further time to the project schedule. Furthermore, it was communicated to the project team that the custom HVAC unit would be delayed by 2 months due to supply chain issues, resulting in a revised project turnover time. Each component of the facility repairs requires sufficient time to assess, diagnose, and properly repair. It is imperative that every factor is effectively managed to ensure the public will be able to enjoy this facility for years to come following these necessary improvements. 

May 29, 2025 

Due to unexpected recently discovered structural issues, the renovation work is now expected to extend the closure of the pool until fall 2025.  

The Aquatics Centre, opened in 2008, initially used a saltwater chlorine-generation system. While popular with municipal pools at the time, this system caused significant deterioration of equipment and infrastructure indoors. In response, the Town transitioned to a traditional chlorine system in 2018 and developed a plan to replace damaged equipment and improve air quality. The upgrades address humidity issues stemming from insufficiently sized HVAC equipment installed during the original construction in 2006.  

To address the issues caused by the saltwater and high humidity, the Pyramid Recreation Centre pool closed to the public in November 2024 for necessary renovations deemed required for the safe use of the facility.  

The project involves the installation of a new HVAC unit and exhaust systems to improve air quality. Additionally, repairs are being performed on various parts of the Aquatics Centre that have experienced wear and tear and salt damage. These upgrades not only aim to repair existing issues but also to future-proof the Aquatics Centre against similar challenges in the coming years.

Once renovations are complete, the Aquatics Centre staff will need a period of time to prepare the facility for public use by filling, heating and treating the pool and training lifeguards and staff.  

Additionally, in 2022, lessons were moved to the Aquatics Centre due to the Quarry's adjusted opening time, which changed from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 a.m. after the Super Splash Park was established. 

Swimming lessons and aquatics programs will resume once the Aquatics Centre reopens and dates and time will be announced through the Pyramid Recreation Facebook page and the Town’s website once confirmed.

We are eagerly anticipating the reopening the upgraded and enhanced Aquatics Centre.