Whereas the South Oshawa Community Centre (S.O.C.C.) is a vital recreational and community resource for the residents of South Oshawa, serving as a hub for fitness, public meetings, and aquatic activities; and,
Whereas in late September 2024 Members of Council and the public received notification of the immediate closure of the S.O.C.C. pool due to concerns identified during routine maintenance inspections, with the duration of the closure being unknown; and,
Whereas Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd. (R.J.C.), were retained in accordance with the City’s Purchasing By-law based on their experience, to conduct an extensive review of the S.O.C.C.’s pool facility and associated structures; and,
Whereas the scope of their work included a comprehensive evaluation of existing site conditions through geotechnical and structural analysis, visual inspections, borehole testing to assess subgrade material conditions, test pits to identify any voids and evaluate construction quality; and,
Whereas in late December R.J.C.’s evaluation identified issues related to the settlement of pool deck slabs, delamination of concrete, corrosion of a steel column, and subgrade compaction issues, all of which were determined to be contributing factors to the deterioration of the pool facility and associated structures; and,
Whereas R.J.C.’s expertise and findings have informed the recommended comprehensive reconstruction strategy to ensure the long-term structural stability and usability of the pool and community centre; and,
Whereas the S.O.C.C. has experienced ongoing challenges, including settlement of the pool decks and interior slabs, cracking of tiles and masonry, and drainage issues as detailed by the R.J.C.’s findings and requires the following work at an estimated cost of $2.5 million:
- installation of a larger weeping tile system to address the contributing factor related to groundwater issues;
- wholesale replacement of the pool deck tiles with the inclusion of a separation membrane to mitigate future cracking;
- routing and sealing of exposed cracks;
- reconstruction of the pool perimeter drainage trenches and repairs to deteriorated steel columns;
- stabilization of the subgrade materials beneath the pool decks;
- targeted block replacement and tile repairs on the outside of the pool area; and,
Whereas the S.O.C.C. also requires critical health and safety upgrades to ensure access to its fire suppression system, as detailed in the Council approved 2023 Capital Project Detail Sheet 11-0360 for design, to address the inaccessibility of the sprinkler system within a concealed ceiling space, ensuring compliance with the Ontario Building Code and maintaining safe occupancy of the facility; and,
Whereas staff emphasize the need to coordinate both the pool reconstruction and sprinkler system work during the current pool closure to minimize future disruptions, maximize efficiency, and reduce long-term costs and impacts associated with additional closures; and,
Whereas the rehabilitation of the S.O.C.C. aligns with the City of Oshawa’s commitment to fostering accessible, safe, and sustainable public spaces for its residents;
Therefore, be it resolved that based on Item CNCL-25-04 dated January 22, 2025:
- That City Council approve the reconstruction of the S.O.C.C pool and associated facilities, as recommended by Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd.; and,
- That City Council approve the simultaneous construction of the Sprinkler Access Project as defined in the 2023 Capital Project Detail Sheet 11-0360 to address the inability to access the sprinkler system in the concealed ceiling space, ensuring compliance with the Ontario Building Code; and,
- That City Council approve up to $2.5 million for the pool reconstruction and associated facilities to be funded from the Infrastructure Reserve and up to $3.35 million for the construction of the Sprinkler Access Capital Project 11-0360 to be funded from the Condition Audit Reserve to ensure the timely and complete execution of two required projects; and,
- That the Chief Administrative Officer, in consultation with the Commissioner, Safety and Facilities Services Department and Manager, Procurement, be authorized to award request for tender(s) and any necessary change orders to expedite reconstruction at the South Oshawa Community Centre; and,
- That staff develop and implement a communication strategy to provide clear communication about reconstruction and completion timelines as well as establish alternative arrangements for scheduled programming to ensure minimal disruption.