The City of Edmonton is working to open outdoor pools ahead of the May long weekend, but with fluctuating weather, some pools may take a bit longer before they can welcome swimmers. “We are trying really hard to get at least one outdoor pool open for the May long weekend,” said site coordinator and operations supervisor Shauna Graham. “However, the weather needs to cooperate with us.” Just over a week ago, Edmonton saw snow and below freezing temperatures, stalling preparation efforts that include emptying, cleaning and refilling the pool basin. Graham says they expect to have the Wîhkwêntôwin pool open for the Victoria Day weekend. “We did manage to get the old melt out of the basin, started to clean it, and then the snowstorm came, so we’re kind of starting over again,” said Graham. “They’re busy over there working, trying to get it all cleaned up … so that you can enjoy it the May long weekend.” Meanwhile, Fred Broadstock is anticipated to open on June 6. “It’s not that far away, considering where we’re at right now … It’s all dependent on Mother Nature and what we find when we really start to dig into what happened over the winter.” Graham said that last year, it snowed within 66 days of outdoor pools opening. This year, the last snowfall was 21 days before May long weekend. The city was hoping to have the Mill Creek pool open by May 16, but it’s about three weeks behind. Queen Elizabeth II is expected to open May 30. Borden Natural Swimming Pool won’t open until June 20 as the ecosystem has to develop after the pool has been filled. With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Brandon Lynch
