If you’ve ever embarked upon a home renovation project, then you will undoubtedly know that things do not always go according to plan. Those that have can easily identify with the sentiment: hope for the best, but plan for the worst.
In March 2021, Markham Council approved a $2.3M capital project to replace Thornlea Pool’s failed 51-year-old industrial-style dehumidification unit and repair the concrete soffit ceiling. The latter showed signs of cracking and pieces were falling into the pool while it was closed during the pandemic. The scope of work also included a new roof, exterior wall repairs, and repairs in the basement below the pool tank.
Repairing the ceiling required draining the pool, covering it with plywood and erecting scaffolding in order to reach it. Cracks in the pool floor tile and a rusted cast iron drainage pipe at risk of failure were discovered once the ceiling repairs had been completed.
I visited the pool in March to see the work firsthand. In April I was pleased to have Markham Council approve an additional $700K expenditure to replace the cast iron piping, remove all deck tiles, install a new waterproof membrane throughout, and then retile. All this work will extend the life of this important Thornhill community asset for decades.
Making necessary and prudent investments in city services, programs and infrastructure is an important responsibility of Markham Council and me as your Councillor. I also have many fond memories of the pool. It is where my sons learned to swim, and where I would occasionally swim with them during March Break.
At time of writing this additional work is well underway and the pool on track to reopen in time for the Fall 2023 schedule of recreation programs and lessons.
However, recruitment of qualified staff remains a challenge across municipalities and I encourage all those with the necessary qualifications to supervise aquatic programs to contact the city’s Recreation Services department for employment opportunities. Please visit: www.markham.ca/WorkHere