Winnipeg, MB - The City of Winnipeg Public Service today provided clarification on aquatics funding in Budget 2015 with regards to Kinsmen Sherbrook Pool.
“We understand that some of our community partners are concerned about what proposed funding changes to aquatics facilities and programming mean for Kinsmen Sherbrook Pool,” said Clive Wightman, Director, Community Services Department. “Budget 2015 does not alter the City’s financial commitment to the reopening of Kinsmen Sherbrook Pool in early 2016. Community Services will continue to provide affordable recreation opportunities for the citizens who will utilize the renovated facility.”
Wightman added: “As Budget 2015 is not yet approved by Council, we are in the very early stages of identifying where we can find efficiencies in our aquatics operations. I’m confident that any efficiencies we identify will result in minimal impact in facility access and programming for citizens. Our major user groups will not be affected. Efficiencies will come from better administrative management at our pools and more effective staff scheduling.”
Under Budget 2015, the proposed reduction to the aquatics portfolio is $100,000 for administrative scheduling efficiencies across the City’s indoor pools (12), effective September 1, 2015. In 2016, an additional $200,000 for administrative indoor pool efficiencies is proposed for a total of $300,000 annually.
Background
The Sherbrook Pool was closed in 2012 for safety reasons following inspections that detected structural concerns with the building, which is more than 80 years old. Repairs to the building systems and structure are estimated to require 9 to 12 months, with a goal of re-opening in late 2015/early 2016.
Renamed the Kinsmen Sherbrook Pool, funding for the renovation project includes $1 million from the province through the Manitoba/Winnipeg Infrastructure Agreement (MWIA), more than $421,000 in cost-shared funding from the Building Communities Initiative II (BCI II) between the province and the city, approximately $1.7 million from the City of Winnipeg, and a $1 million Sponsor Winnipeg contribution from the Kinsmen Club for enhancements.