News release

For immediate release

Planned shutdown for electrical upgrades at Saanich Commonwealth Place

Saanich, BC – Saanich Commonwealth Place (SCP) will undergo a planned power outage from Monday, September 6 to Thursday, September 16, to replace the temporary transformer installed in May. The entire SCP facility, including the Bruce Hutchison Library, will be closed for the duration of the shutdown.

The weight room will reopen to the public on Friday, September 17. The remainder of the facility, including main reception, pools, programs, The Swim Shop and Kattia’s Kitchen, will reopen on Monday, September 20.

“We want to thank our patrons and neighbours for their patience and understanding as we complete this final step in the transformer repairs,” said SCP Manager Jennifer Jakobsen.

Bruce Hutchison Library

Purpose-built as part of the Saanich Commonwealth Place Recreation Centre, the Bruce Hutchison Branch opened its doors in 1994. The library shares a large programming room with SCP, in which they host free programs for kids, teens and adults. The library shares power with SCP and will reopen Saturday, September 18. There will be no book drop-off service available for the duration of the shutdown.

History of transformer repairs

In May of this year, the recreation centre experienced an unplanned power outage due to a total transformer failure resulting in a facility closure for two days. Staff installed an emergency mobile generator to keep vital air handling, electrical, and pool filtration systems running, which allowed the recreation centre to remain open and to continue running indoor programs and services. A temporary transformer was then installed to power the centre until a permanent solution could be secured.

This planned outage will be the final service interruption in this series of work at the centre.

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Media contact:
Jennifer Jakobsen
Manager, Saanich Commonwealth Place
jennifer.jakobsen@saanich.ca
250-475-7604