A brief power outage in the City’s south side Thursday evening shut down all power services to the Community Knowledge Campus area, resulting in damage at the Aquatics and Wellness Multiplex and postponement of planned opening activities for Monday and Tuesday.

The Opening on December 5th and 6th has been postponed indefinitely.

When systems were restarted after the outage, there was a water surge in one of the pipes and the ensuing pressure caused the pipe rack to break free from its mounting on the basement ceiling underneath the aquatics area.

The pipe rack dropped but did not fracture and no water was lost due to the failure. Staff responded immediately and isolated the section of pipe affected. Master Pools, the subcontractor installing the pools, drained the water in pipe and began assessing needed repairs. No one was injured during the incident.

Further inspection by Master Pools determined that the damage to the dropped rack will require the entire aquatics area to be closed while remounting of the pipe rack occurs.

City staff are working today and through the weekend with engineering and architectural advisors to determine how long the aquatics area will be inaccessible after Thursday’s incident. Announcements will follow as soon as possible on official launch activities and whether unaffected sections of the venue such as the field house and the fitness area can open in a phased manner.

Mayor Bill Given says work over the weekend will determine options on allowing the public to access the Multiplex as soon as possible. “We know everyone is excited to start using this facility and are thankful this incident happened ahead of the opening. We will have further information for the community as soon as it becomes available.”

Media enquiries may be directed to:
Mayor Bill Given
780.538.0310