Pool re-opening plan confirmed with precautionary measures in place as approved by Vancouver Coastal Health

The District of Squamish is very pleased to have received successful reconsideration of a Closure Order of the Brennan Park Recreation Centre swimming pool and hot tub by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH). As previously announced, the pools and hot tub will re-open on Wednesday, April 2, following acceptance by VCH of the District’s application for reconsideration. The pool has been closed since February 12. The steam room is required to remain closed at this time, and work on this is ongoing.

The process to re-open the pool has been extensive and involved unique expertise in this specialized area of work. The age of the facility and the importance of ensuring the long-term management of this key community asset has also been an important aspect of the work.

What took place:

Upon issuance of the Closure Order, VCH recommended a signed and sealed engineers report in support of any corrective solution – either temporary or permanent.  A qualified specialized engineering professional, who was retained to help guide District staff through this process, worked with staff to seek proposals, investigate and test various possible solutions including chemical etching, tile coating and epoxy retrofit. The professional also recommended that additional comprehensive testing be undertaken to re-assess the tiles in parallel to the work to investigate potential corrective actions.

Prior to any solutions being chosen or implemented on the tiles, the District conducted a new test on February 28 that employed a different methodology than the first. This test was completed in accordance with standards set out by a Canadian industry-specific body (the Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Association of Canada) and the American National Standards Institute. The results of this test as supported by the engineering report showed that the pool area floor tiles achieved acceptable slip resistance measurements, meeting both relevant Canadian and American specifications. Subsequently, this signed and sealed professional engineer’s report outlining these findings was submitted to VCH on March 12 for reconsideration.

While corrective actions had not been implemented on the tiles prior to this second test, the different measures and parameters used in the additional testing generated an acceptable result. Testing of the steam room tiles did not generate an acceptable result.

Approval to re-open:

 The sealed engineer’s report as well as an onsite inspection by VCH on March 24 has enabled the pool to re-open.  The District has also put the following precautionary measures in place:

Looking ahead the District will monitor the performance of the tiles and bring forward future actions for consideration in the annual budget process as part of ongoing asset management.

“It is clear how far-reaching the impacts of the pool closure have been on our community, and we are grateful for everyone’s patience,” says District of Squamish Mayor, Armand Hurford. “This much-loved asset is an aging facility, and this situation has brought to light the floor’s performance as an additional factor to be incorporated into our ongoing asset management. The careful work of staff to re-open safely while looking to the future is appreciated by Council. I’m looking forward to further conversations during future budget processes where asset management, including the pool, will continue to be a key consideration.”

A schedule to re-open the pools on April 2 for public swims, lane swims, aquafit and swim clubs has been posted online. Lessons will resume May 5, with lesson schedules available to view on April 8, and registration opening on April 15.

Learn more and view Frequently Asked Questions at squamish.ca/pool.

April 1, 2025