WESTLOCK - The Westlock Aquatic Centre was shuttered Sunday, July 10, after a waterline fitting in the basement “let go” that morning around 5:30 a.m. and the crush of water damaged a facility pump and possibly other critical infrastructure.
The surprise, facility-wide closure announced July 10 via the Westlock Regional Notification System: Connect, as well as the town's social media channels and website, includes the 24-hour gym and is expected to last until at least Friday, July 15.
“The pool pump was damaged (from the water) so we’re looking to see if there’s motor availability for those pumps, or if we can rebuild it or what the quickest option is. I’m waiting for more of an assessment than what they were able to give me yesterday,” said Town of Westlock CAO Simone Wiley July 11. “The waterline was running above the boilers that were in the basement, so they may be damaged also.”
Wiley knows the Westlock Gators swim meet is slated to run Saturday, July 16, and says the club has told the town they’ll have to know the status of the facility by Thursday, July 14.
“We’re really hopeful that we’ll be up and running as soon as possible. To have the pool shutdown now is a real shame. I’m hoping for a quick fix,” she added.
To fill the gap, starting Monday, July 11, the Westlock Spirit Centre will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The town says these hours will remain in effect until the pool re-opens and the 24-hour gym is again available.
