Legislature reflecting pool drained again, repair timeline unclear
Water loss detected during seasonal opening; partial operation expected to resume early June after inspection.
The reflecting pool at the Alberta legislature remains closed nearly two weeks past its usual Victoria Day opening, drained due to an apparent leak discovered during seasonal start-up.
Infrastructure Alberta confirmed "unanticipated water loss" was identified as crews prepared the pool for summer. A mini excavator was spotted Monday investigating an open hole on the grounds as workers searched for the source of the problem.
The pool, originally built in the 1970s, became a popular summer cooling-off spot despite not being designed for public use. It was the subject of a $20-million overhaul announced in 2022 and reopened on Canada Day 2024 after a three-year closure that saw more than 60,000 litres leak onto 97 Avenue below.
Partial operation is expected to resume during the first week of June while officials work on a longer-term fix. The dome fountain and spray park at the legislature grounds have been open since the long weekend.
The recurring water issues raise questions about the durability of the recent renovation investment.