Upgraded MRU pool set to re-open October 14

Why the pool has been out of commission

Amanda Ducheminsky
Sports Editor

There has been some confusion to why the pool’s windows were blacked out. You may have also been wondering when the mid-October pool opening date actually is?

Mount Royal University’s Aquatic Centre is rescheduled to officially open just after Thanksgiving, on Oct. 14. The pool’s windows are no longer covered, revealing the minor repairs left.

The MRU pool, still empty months after the construction started, is supposed to be re-opening just after Thanksgiving in October. The windows are now bare in the recreation centre and students can watch the progress of the work.
Photo illustration: Albina Khouzina

Jamie Tolan, aquatic team lead for the pool, says the six-year construction has caused some activity delays, but that it was the best time for the project.

Construction on the pool began on June 15. Ceiling upgrades and new emergency lighting were added.

“The roof was really old and at the end of its life cycle. It needed a refresh,” says Tolan. The upgrade will fix leaks in the roof that caused dripping. It will also help with outdoor drainage issues.

“We looked at what would lessen the impact on our students the most, and over the summer we don’t have a lot of student programs.”

Both the education and ecotourism outdoor leadership programs all use the pool for academic purposes. “We wanted to make sure we were up-and-running for the courses and that the students would have full access in the fall,” says Tolan.

Biannual tile maintenance and finishing touches are now happening. Tolan says there are plans set in place if the re-open date is not met though he says he doesn’t see that happening because the work is moving along as planned.

“At this point we’re right on schedule. So we are really happy and we are staying quite optimistic. The crew and the contractors that we have working on the place are doing a fantastic job.”

To stay uptodate on the pool reopening and to see this year’s activities visit http://www.mtroyal.ca/CampusServices/Recreation/ProgramInformation/Aquatics/index.htm.

DID YOU KNOW?

Have you ever wondered why MRU’s pool is salty?

The pool uses a salt water chlorinated system. The salt is softer on your skin and doesn’t dye your clothes.