Cobourg's outdoor pool set to open for the summer, but may close at any time

Centennial Pool in Cobourg to undergo repairs before the start of summer operations. Photo by Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, LJI

By: Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, Local Journalism Initiative.

An outdoor pool on the shore of Lake Ontario in Cobourg is set to open for the summer season, but may see swimming cut short if mechanical equipment fails.

A staff report prepared by the Town of Cobourg on the Centennial Pool states the pool building, pool tank and other infrastructure components are heavily worn and at the end of their useful life.

While the Northumberland YMCA will oversee the operation of the pool, some seasonal repairs to the facility will need to be completed within the next eight weeks.

The staff report notes that short-term cancelation of programs occurred last year as there were several equipment breakdowns.

Leeann Clarke, General Manager of Health, Fitness & Aquatics for the YMCA says they will do its best to keep the pool open this season.

“Given that the equipment is old and a lot of the stuff has reached its max life, I think we’re going to do our best to operate it. Anything we can fix, we have full intention of doing so,” Clarke said.

The staff report states that many major components of the pool system may fail at any time during the summer season. Key components identified are the boiler system, used to heat the pool, circulation pump failure and chemical system failure. The circulation and chemical systems are needed to ensure pool operation.

If the pool is shut down, programming will shift to the YMCA’s Cobourg indoor facility.

“Everyone loves it. It's a staple I think. The kids love it, the parents love it. It's a place to go in the summer and everyone looks forward to going to the outdoor pool in the summer,” explained Clarke.

Aquafit, lane swimming, open swim and lessons are some of the programs offered. The pool will be open from late June through Labour Day.