Pool tiles at the Community Centre need to be replaced for safety reasons after only three years.
(MEAGHAN ARCHER / iNFOnews.ca)
June 10, 2014 - 2:19 PM
PENTICTON - As a result of poor planning, the city needs to front a good chunk of money to replace pool tiles at the community centre.
The pool tiles are causing safety issues, specifically as a slipping hazard. In order to maintain the tiles and keep them clean enough to prevent slipping, it would cost the City tens of thousands of dollars a year.
Chuck Loewen, general manager of facilities, museum and recreation services, said the most cost-effective solution is to replace the tiles. The tiles were initially purchased during construction of the community centre in 2009. The style was recommended by the professional team hired to design and build the facility.
There is nothing wrong with the tile itself, Loewen said, but rather the size. The bigger the tile, the more slippery the surface becomes.
He recommends the installation of a different style and sized tile. It would cost the city around $157,000 to remove the old tiles and install new ones, however, maintenance costs are significantly lower than the other option.
“It’s an expensive fix but we have to look at it as an investment,” said Coun. Wes Hopkin.
The funding will come from the 2014 operating budget and community works fund grant.
Mayor Garry Litke, who was on the committee that advised the design and construction process said the board trusted the professionals and their recommendations. He said he is disappointed with the way things turned out, now that the city has to pay a bunch of money to fix mistakes that could have been avoided.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Meaghan Archer at marcher@infotelnews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014