Shellbrook pool (Facebook)

By Nigel Maxwell

Treading carefully

Shellbrook committee informed new outdoor pool to cost over $4.6 million

Nov 13, 2022 | 8:00 AM

The cost to build a new outdoor pool in the town of Shellbrook is just over $4.6 million dollars.

That was the finding of a recent feasibility study, as a committee continues to the exploratory phase of the project. Committee chair Mark Klaassen confirmed for paNOW the next step is applying for grants.

“Securing a large chunk of the funding is kind of the first step in this whole process,” he said.

The town’s current pool is nearly 50 years old and because it’s outdoors, only operates during the summer months. While noting the high dollar amount o a new structure, Klaassen said he was more surprised to read the cost to fix the current facility was approximately $2.6 million.

Within the report are a number of site options including by the tourist booth, at the current site, by the hospital or at Centennial Park. Klaasen acknowledged that as each day passes, costs will climb.

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“If the community can’t afford to operate the pool, what we are trying to do isn’t helpful to anybody,” he said.

Another finding by the feasibility study was a new pool could save the town approximately $15,000 a year in operating costs. Klaassen however figures the actual number will be lower, after taking into account costs associated with new technology, heating, and lifeguard salaries.

“At the same time labor costs will go up as you design a new facility. It’s not just a simple rectangle anymore,” he explained.

Over the course of the coming months, a number of fundraisers have been planned including a craft show on Nov. 19 and Music Bingo on Jan. 27.

As well the Sask International Film Festival will be screened later this month in Shellbrook, with the opening gala on Nov. 26. The pool committee has been promised a portion of the proceeds from the theatre tickets sold.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell