Repairs to the Summerland Aquatic and Fitness Centre's roof are costing more than three times the initial estimate.

The original cost for re-roofing the portion of the roof above the swimming pool had been estimated at $110,000. 

However, when crews began the work in the spring of 2024, they noticed mould rot damage to the tongue and groove portion of the roof. As a result, the shingling work was put on hold until the roof structure was repaired.

This brought the cost estimate up to around $350,000, said Lori Mullin, director of community services for Summerland.

The roof structure work took place in late August and early September, during the time the facility is shut down for cleaning and maintenance work. The shutdown period was extended as a result of the roof work needed.

鈥淭he roof was the most critical, because it was significantly leaking into the pool basin,鈥� she said.

During the shutdown period, crews also examined the boiler and pool system, with reports expected soon.

The work on the roof is now near completion. The shingling is expected to be finished this week. Then, the solar panels will be reinstalled on the roof.

The recreation department is now working on a maintenance plan for the building, to be presented for later this year in advance of the municipality鈥檚 2025 budget. 

The municipality is also seeking a grant for the building, of up to $3 million, through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program. This initiative is for work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency, build resiliency to climate change and encourage new builds to net zero standards.

The Summerland facility opened to the public in 1976 and has been expanded twice since that time. The facility still has the original pool and system. It requires around 86 per cent more energy per unit of floor area than the average swimming pool in British Columbia, the municipality says.

The municipality has said the pool facility is at the end of its usable life. It has issues including air and water leakages and difficulties in finding replacement parts for the pool and equipment.

A referendum was held in November 2023 to determine whether to allow the municipality to borrow up to $50 million for a proposed replacement facility. However, that decision did not pass and as a result, the existing facility remains in use.