You won’t be able to cool off at Campbell River’s Centennial Pool anytime soon.
The city has confirmed that it won’t be opening this summer.
In response to a letter from the Campbell River Killer Whales Swim Club regarding the pool’s operations, council confirmed that its gates will remain closed.
“We know people will be disappointed that Centennial Pool won’t be open this summer,” Mayor Andy Adams says. “What you can see when you drive by, it’s been shrouded over for a number of months while we have been doing some major upgrades to improve that facility.”
As a result of COVID-19, Adams says some of those upgrades were slowed down which means it’s going to take a little bit longer to complete.
Adams says not being able to make sure the appropriate physical distancing protocols are in place, and a lack of funding to hire staff and operate the pool play a factor as well.
“In order to not only complete that work, but to get the summer staffing, it just wasn’t feasible for this year. While the Centennial Pool won’t be available, McIvor Lake is where you can do a lot of physical distancing. And, there’s the ocean.”
Adams adds that the city is looking at the indoor pool at Strathcona Gardens and when that facility “may be able to open aside from the summer shutdown.”
“There are options, but unfortunately Centennial Pool will not be one of those for this year.”
