The City of Winnipeg said the cost to re-open the shuttered Sherbrook Pool is estimated at $2.8 million, with another $3.5 million needed to maintain it over the next 20 years, according to a new report.

The city plans to consult with the community to see if it’s worth the cost.

Coun. Harvey Smith (Daniel McIntyre) represents the ward and said it’s worth saving the pool.

“It certainly is the right way to spend our tax dollars. Let me tell you this – I’m getting so many emails over a period of time. People treasure that pool,” said Smith.

The pool was closed after a routine inspection on Nov. 29, 2012 found possible concern “with the integrity of the support columns on the pool deck,” said the city.

After the pool was closed, detailed engineering assessments were carried out which led to the current estimate for repairs, said officials.

City Finance Chair Russ Wyatt isn’t too keen on repairing the 81-year-old pool.

“(It’s) absolutely a large price,” said Wyatt.

He said he’d rather spend the money to construct a new pool that would be bigger and better.

"You'll get better bang for your buck if you invest and spend (on) a new facility versus sinking six and a half million, maybe more, into an older facility like the Sherbrook Pool, even with all of the memories, nostalgia and heritage," said Wyatt.

Donna Pollock lives in the community and suffered a stroke 15 years ago.

She said the warm water at the Sherbrook Pool was the only thing that eased her pain.

“I’m hypersensitive. Putting my hand on my leg hurts but when I’m in the water, I don’t feel it and I can move,” she said.

She wants the Sherbrook Pool reopened. “That’s what I look forward to. I exercise, which I need, and it’s pain free.”

Smith said there is a provincial fund the city could tap into to help with costs. Wyatt, however, said he’d rather go to the province for money with a bigger, bolder idea. Wyatt also said the estimated $6.3 million to repair and maintain the pool might not be the final price tag as engineers have told him it could cost more if additional problems are uncovered by repair crews.

The city said the public service is recommending a request for proposals to have an independent third party carry out community consultations. A date has not yet been announced for when the community consultations would be carried out.