The reflecting pool near the front steps of the Alberta legislature building remains closed nearly two weeks after its expected seasonal opening, with no date yet set for when it will fully return to operation due to an apparent leak.
Pool Closed for Maintenance
The water features at the legislature grounds typically open during the Victoria Day long weekend. This year, the pool appeared to be partly filled ahead of the holiday weekend but has since been fully drained. A mini excavator was seen on Monday next to a fenced-off open hole just north of the pool as workers investigated the issue.
Infrastructure officials stated: “The reflecting pool isn’t currently operating due to unanticipated water loss identified during seasonal start-up. Inspections are currently underway to identify any issues.” They added that partial operation is expected to resume during the first week of June while a longer-term solution is developed.
$20 Million Overhaul
The pool had previously been closed in 2020 as a result of mechanical and filtration system issues that caused more than 60,000 litres of water to be lost in the years before, much of which leaked onto 97 Avenue directly below. It reopened on Canada Day in 2024 after a $20-million overhaul of the three water features at the legislature grounds first announced in May of 2022. Costs were shared between the provincial government ($12 million) and the federal government ($8 million).
The pool was originally built in the 1970s and was not initially intended for public use, but it has become a popular summertime spot to cool off. The other water features at the legislature grounds — the dome fountain and spray park — have been open since the May long weekend.
Officials continue to investigate the cause of the leak and work on a permanent repair to prevent future closures.
