Town addresses aquatic centre air quality problems

Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor

 

Condensation issues are building up to be a problem for the aquatic centre, causing damage to insulation and creating water pools on the upstairs mechanical room.
“All pools have similar problems,” said Tracy Simpson, reporting to council on the issue.
She stated that Associated Engineering had investigated the problems and determined the building pressurization was moving from the desirable negative pressure to a positive pressure migration.
This led to efflorescence frosting on exterior walls and humidity and chemical odors in the adjacent offices of the Ag society office and Chuck Mercer room. They found the outdoor air dampers were sticking and the pressure sensor was incorrectly installed and located.
The sensor has since been moved and adjusted; however, more needs to be done. Simpson requested $126,500 in order to fix the pressurization problems and repair damage. This would include a new exhaust fan for the ventilation system, motorized dampers and repair of damaged insulation and vapour barrier, along with a AHU room heater and fan coil, as well as installing a new building control system to accommodate the new equipment to correct the problems.
Simpson said this was an emergent item and suggested council consider allowing Associated Engineering to complete the work without the process going to tender, as they have already researched much of the work needed for the project.
The estimated time for repairs was four to six weeks and the pool could remain open during the upgrade. There were no public safety concerns attached to this issue. Council agreed to the request.