With a new territorial government comes refreshed hope that the long-abandoned pool in Ross River, Yukon, could be restored or replaced.

The indoor swimming facility has been closed since 2018, and was officially condemned in 2023.

In August 2024, the Yukon government’s Department of Highways and Public Works conducted a detailed structural and geotechnical investigation of the indoor pool. The investigation aimed to explore options to repair the facility.

Last year, a final report confirmed there were severe foundational and structural issues, due to uneven settling in the facility’s foundations and permafrost degradation. The pool stayed closed as a result.

“It’s heartbreaking for us because we really need that facility,” said Ross River Dena Council’s Deputy Chief Verna Nukon. “It’s been over five years…. We really need an answer. Is this going to be replaced or not?”

As much as Nukon is disappointed with the lack of progress being made, she said it’s especially hard on the youth.

Students attending the Ross River School circulated a petition and wrote letters to the Yukon government expressing their desire to have a functioning swimming pool in their community. 113 residents signed the petition.

“It’s upsetting for them,” Nukon said, referring to the students. “They really tried hard. They still ask about it. It just gives a clear message that their voices are just not being heard at the table.”

Ross River resident Billie Maje said she’s lived in the community for the past 15 years. She remembers when the pool was operational, and said it was a hub for the community.

“It was a wonderful place to gather,” Maje said. “The children looked forward to it all the time.”

Maje said now, families and youth who want to go for a swim have to either make the two-hour round trip to Faro, or swim in the nearby river.

Maje said it’s disheartening to see other Yukon communities receive funding for infrastructure upgrades and new facilities while Ross River gets left out.

She said the territory needs to spread its attention to smaller communities, especially when it comes to improving the health and wellness of the youth.

“Please reconsider what you’re actually going to do with Ross River,” Maje said. “We do need these recreational things for our community. There’s already hardly anything to do as it is.”

Pool likely closed for good

Yukon’s Minister of Community Services Cory Bellmore said the current facility will remain closed again this summer, and likely won’t ever re-open.

“It really is unfortunate that we couldn’t find a solution,” Bellmore said. “We do understand the importance of community pools, and the importance of recreation in communities.”

Bellmore said, at this time, there are no plans to construct a new pool in the community. She said the territory wants to speak with the Ross River Dena Council and community members on what their recreation and infrastructural needs are before starting any projects.

In the meantime, Bellmore said, people can still travel to Faro to use the pool there, or participate in one of the many summer aquatic programs offered through the Ross River recreation society.