Richmond city council voted 5-3 to demolish the old Minoru Aquatic Centre at a cost of $2.7 million to make way for a grassy area.
Two years ago, the majority of council asked to see if the building could be saved for other recreational uses but staff concluded because of the condition of the building, it would cost $8.8 million to refurbish it and that would only extend its life for 10 to 15 years.
A report to staff notes how pools create a “harsh environment” and the building would need extensive repairs to its envelope as well as mechanical and electrical systems in order to make it useable.
The Minoru pool was built in two phases, in 1958 and 1977, and it contains asbestos, lead and other hazardous materials. Since it closed last year, after aquatic centre at the Minoru Centre for Active Living across the park was opened, the building has deteriorated. The cost to upkeep it – even while closed – is $110,000 a year.
Demolition costs, originally pegged at $3.4 million two years ago, are now estimated at $2.7 million, and city staff say they can reuse some of the material in other projects in Richmond.
The original plan was to pull down the Minoru aquatic facility when the new one was built and turn it into a green area.
The annual cost of maintaining a grassy area where the pool is now is estimated to be $4,600.
Couns. Michael Wolfe, Harold Steves and Carol Day argued to keep the building, with Day saying the city should get “creative” finding a cheaper option than the “Cadillac” solution being proposed by city staff.
Mayor Malcolm Brodie, calling Minoru Park the “flagship park” of the city, questioned why some councillors are arguing to take away “precious park space” in order to keep half a building open – with one half boarded up – at a cost of $8.8 million.
“I think it’s time we turn this park – this area – back to the people,” Brodie said, adding using $8.8 million to add 10 to 15 years to the building would be a “terrible, terrible mistake.”
