Health authorities have issued a cleanup order for West Edmonton Mall's waterpark, citing filth and a lack of ongoing maintenance.
Repairs that Triple Five Corp. must make at World Waterpark within 60 days include fixing rusting support beams, stairs and railings around the water slides.
Problems noted in the report included dirt, scum and debris around stairs.
(Photo courtesy Capital Health)
West Edmonton Mall estimates that 500,000 people visit the waterpark every year.
"We would have closed it down immediately if there was a public health risk," said Tahneen Toope, a spokeswoman for Capital Health.
If the owners don't comply with the order health officials have the option of laying charges under the Public Health Act, shutting the facility down or revoking its pool licence.
Strong sewage odours
An inspection by Edmonton Inspector Dennis Chu found dust, dirt, algae, mould, stains and debris on the pool's deck surfaces, stairs, railings and floor drains.
An inspection by an Edmonton health officer also found algae, mould, stains and debris.
(Photo courtesy Capital Health)
There were also strong sewage odours in the men's change room and at the top of one of the waterslides.
Chemical testing stations and equipment were "soiled and disorderly," according to the inspection report released to the public Thursday.
Chu also called for the immediate placement of a "competent, responsible person trained in pool operation and able to take corrective actions for water quality and maintenance issues … on duty at all times."
World Waterpark has to supply health officials with a routine cleaning schedule within two weeks.
(Photo courtesy Capital Health)
Problems in the facility "are or may become injurious or dangerous to public health" or could hinder the suppression of disease, he noted in his report.
"It's not a dangerous place, it's not a place people shouldn't go," said Chu in an interview with CBC.ca. "So far they are co-operating and actively making changes to comply with our requirements."
'Safety is No. 1 priority'
A thorough cleanup of the waterpark must be completed within 30 days, while the company has to supply health officials with a routine cleaning schedule and list of disinfectants that will be used within two weeks.
Kimberley Evans, a spokeswoman for the mall, said many of the items on the order have already been dealt with.
"Safety is No. 1 priority and obviously it's not a safety issue or the park wouldn't be open."
World Waterpark said it has no plans to shut down during the cleanup.
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