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A $10M repair bill will keep LU pool closed until spring at least

KPMG report finds ‘high-cost maintenance issues’
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The Ben Avery Complex and Jeno Tihanyi Pool will remain closed until at least spring after a recent report from KPMG found the facilities require more than $10 million in maintenance.

Because of the high cost involved, the university said it will be unable to re-open either facility for the foreseeable future.

“The university estimates that the cost of repairs is over $10 million, putting these projects out of reach for the university at this time,” LU said, in an online statement.

Laurentian said between the financial impacts of COVID-19, the low number of students on campus and the cancellation of varsity winter sports in 2021, as well as the impact of the second wave of COVID-19, the Ben Avery Complex and the Jeno Tihanyi Pool will remain closed until at least April 30, 2021.

“Laurentian University continues to actively seek out grants, partnerships, or capital funding that might play a role in funding the safety improvements necessary for a reopening of the Ben Avery Complex and the Jeno Tihanyi Pool.”

Sudbury.com has reached out to LU for more information on the nature of the maintenance work required.

Staff and students can still access the parts of the facility, including the physiotherapy clinic, that do remain open.

“We remain committed to providing students with access to quality health and wellness services, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the school said. “Students residing in residence will continue to have access to the recreation activities located within the residence building.”


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