Image courtesy Derek Brade 

By Darren Rathwell

Heights Pool to stay closed in 2022

City councillor concerned with repair costs for rec facility

Dec 14, 2021 | 5:16 PM

The future of a Medicine Hat recreational facility is murkier for one city councillor today.

Ramona Robins, chair of Medicine Hat’s public services committee, says it’s unclear if the city will want to cover the costs of keeping the Crestwood Pool open.

City council held a fact-finding tour of the Crestwood and Moose recreational facilities yesterday, and Robins says the Moose needs the ice slab replaced, but otherwise is in good shape.

However, she’s concerned about the cost of repairs to the Crestwood Pool, which is estimated at $6 million to $7 million.

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“There are some repairs that are required before it can reopen safely. But the big repairs are within likely the next five years. And so more difficult decisions need to be made long term about Crestwood,” Robins told CHAT News on Tuesday.

The city’s parks and recreation department is recommending both the Crestwood and Moose centres re-open next year, and for council to look at replacing both facilities within five years.

The matter of funding for both operations is part of ongoing budget deliberations, which city council will discuss again next week.

However, City Hall has confirmed the Heights Pool on 10 Street N.E. will remain closed in 2022, as no money has been allocated for the project in the upcoming budget.

Robins says Heights Pool may come under consideration again for re-opening in 2023 as part of the city’s strategic vision, which council plans to start formulating early in the new year.