The Van Raay & Community Swimming Pool in Outlook is on track to reopen for the 2025 summer season, according to an update shared during the Nov. 6 town council meeting.
The facility, which first opened in 2019, was forced to close this past summer following a significant pipe burst in January that caused flooding and structural damage. Town Administrator Kevin Trew provided details on the repair process and the progress made to date.
One major repair involved installing a new thermostat system to monitor the pool room’s heater. The system, which includes an app, sends low-temperature alerts to key personnel. Additionally, the council updated the town’s winterization policies, requiring written sign-offs from three staff members across two departments.
Other ongoing repairs include paving stone restoration, a project awarded to Broderick Garden Centre. The work is expected to be completed this fall or, if necessary, in early spring before the pool reopens. The town’s insurer is also awaiting quotes for liner patching, with work anticipated to follow the same timeline.
Related Stories:
- Outlook town council meeting recap: Roof repairs and tax updates
- Outlook Town Council moves forward with plans for new fire hall
Meanwhile, discussions with the town’s insurer are ongoing regarding damage to the concrete floor in the pool’s deep end. Structural engineers determined that the cracking was not entirely caused by January’s freezing incident, but the insurer will cover part of the repair costs. The town plans to allocate the settlement funds to a reserve for future repairs or replacement of the concrete floor.
Trew also acknowledged the efforts of town staff, particularly Megan Anthony, Luke Lockhart, and Kelton MacDonald, for their work in the immediate aftermath of the January incident. The employees dedicated significant time to salvage operations without claiming compensation.
Trew said that the town recognizes that this was a mistake on their end, adding that specific staff members had been reprimanded to ensure similar incidents are avoided in the future.
A full report on the pool’s rehabilitation will soon be available on the Town of Outlook’s official website.