Brandon Council Approves Urgent Repairs for Sportsplex Pool

UPDATE: In a critical decision, the Brandon City Council has just approved a contract worth $96,110.48 for urgent repairs to the North Hill Sportsplex pool. This contract was awarded to Brandon Heating and Plumbing to install a new hydronic pre-heating coil, vital for preventing freezing issues that have plagued the facility.

During a meeting on July 18, 2023, city officials addressed ongoing problems with the Dectron unit, which serves as both a heater and dehumidifier for the pool area. Perry Roque, the city’s director of parks and recreation services, emphasized the importance of this repair, stating that the existing system has suffered multiple failures due to cold air intrusion, leading to significant operational challenges.

“Cold air was coming in and freezing our systems, creating ongoing issues,” Roque explained. “This pre-heating coil will address that by warming the air before it enters, helping us avoid further damage.” The council’s report noted that over the past decade, the Sportsplex has seen various compressor failures linked to system overload.

The council had initially budgeted $65,000 for the project, leaving a shortfall of $31,110.48 that will be covered by the Sportsplex reserve fund. After the repairs, the fund is projected to maintain a balance of $341,000 at year’s end, according to city spokesperson Merrilea Metcalf.

Despite the project exceeding its budget, Roque indicated that this trend has become all too common. “We’re seeing consistently higher bids on our tenders,” he noted, attributing the increases to lingering effects from the COVID-19 pandemic and market uncertainties.

Importantly, Roque assured the public that the pool will remain operational during the repair process, although he could not provide a specific timeline for completion. “We will have a meeting soon, but the contractor might need to order special parts,” he said.

Brandon Heating and Plumbing secured the contract after outbidding two competitors, including Neepawa Plumbing and Heating, whose bid was $107,320.87, and MNK Mechanical Services Ltd., with a bid of $202,635.53.

As the city moves forward with this essential repair work, community members are encouraged to stay updated on the progress. The health and safety of the Sportsplex users depend on the timely completion of these repairs, highlighting the urgency of this project for the Brandon community.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Brandon City Council works to enhance the facilities that serve its residents.