Pool set to open after emergency repairs

The St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Centre pools are finally re-opening after ceiling tiles collapsed more than two months ago.

The city said the facility will re-open this Tuesday.

The indoor pools have been closed since July 4 when acoustic ceiling tiles fell onto the pool deck while people were swimming. Lifeguards were recognized by city council this summer for taking quick action and evacuating the area moments before the collapse. An investigation found a ceiling cable failed and pulled down the tiles and a lighting tube.

Repairs began on Aug. 16, including reinforcing the existing tiles and support cables as well as reinforcing the supports for lighting tubes. The fallen lighting tube was also replaced. The city is pursing its legal and financial options to cover more than $100,000 costs in repairs.

To celebrate the re-opening of the pool, the city is offering free swimming all day on Saturday, Sept. 30. There will also be crafts, games, prizes and a pop-up play tent from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. that day.

On Tuesday, the city will resume regular drop-in aquatics programs, including leisure swimming, aquafit and lane swimming.

Fall aquatic programs, originally scheduled to start Sept. 11, begin on Oct. 2 because of the emergency repairs. Registrations are being accepted for programs at www. stcatharines.ca/ePlay.