General Burns pool closed for repairs during Ottawa heat wave

On one of the hottest weeks of the summer, the General Burns outdoor pool is closed to the public. CTV’s Dave Charbonneau reports.

It’s one of the hottest weeks of the summer, but a popular outdoor pool in Ottawa’s west end remains closed for repairs.

The city closed the General Burns pool on June 12 due to water clarity issues. The city councillor for the area says a fix could still be weeks away.

“Just this morning, the city informed me that they’re now expecting that the pool is going to be closed for the next couple of weeks while our maintenance staff and our contractors figure out what the problem is and make the necessary repairs,” said Knoxdale-Merivale Coun. Sean Devine.

For Elissa Rassi and her son Massimo, the General Burns pool is part of their routine.

“I like General Burns more, but it’s closed,” Massimo said.

They’re now forced to go to Crestview Pool for their swimming lessons instead.

“We normally bike to General Burns, but they accommodated us to come here and at least the lessons were cancelled,” said Rassi.

With General Burns swimming lessons moved to Crestview, some parents say they’re running out of room.

“It’s just a lot more students per class. As opposed to a class of four to five students and having lots of room to do lengths, my daughter yesterday was in the classes with I think nine,” said mother Heather McShane.

Some say the closure could cause an inconvenience for those who don’t drive.

“Maybe for kids that have to walk or bike or something, absolutely. We can drive, but I’m sure those that don’t drive and have to walk, it’s definitely an inconvenience,” said Krista Matias.

For Rassi and her family, they are anxious for General Burns to reopen, but say they are just happy to still have a place to swim.

“They’re able to still do their swimming lessons. That was my biggest concern. I don’t think it’s too crowded,” Rassi said.

The city’s general manager of recreation, cultural and facility services Dan Chenier says additional staff have been deployed at Crestview Pool to manage the increased demand. A confirmed cause of the issues has not been confirmed, but Chenier says the closure may last a couple of weeks to allow for staff to assess the situation thoroughly.

“We recognize this is disappointing for residents who use the pool, especially on hot summer days as we are currently experiencing. We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we ensure the necessary steps are taken to reopen the pool,” Chenier wrote in an email.

The wading pool onsite continues to remain staffed and open at no charge during public swim times.

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