While many splash parks have been opening in southeastern Manitoba communities in recent days, the pad in Lorette remains dry.

Tache Mayor Robert Rivard says one of the pipes had a leak already last year and they knew it would need to be fixed. But then this spring they learned a pump needed to be replaced and now they are not sure whether some pipes were damaged over winter.

(Photo credit: RM of Tache)Rivard says the cost of repairs will be between $10,000 and $12,000. On top of that, there are some improvements they are looking to make at that site. According to Rivard, the building isn't properly ventilated for the mixing of chemicals and they need to do some upgrades. The total cost of repairs and upgrades is expected to reach $25,000.

According to Rivard, the splash park will hopefully be operational within three weeks. He notes this could have all been avoided. Rivard says they are always getting a new person each year to winterize the splash park. But from now on, their water works staff will take care of that.

"They are going to learn the proper procedure for shutting it down," explains Rivard. "And then we will have the same guys doing it all the time to avoid any of these issues."

Rivard says the splash park in Lorette is only about six or seven years old and gets a lot of use. He notes this is definitely an unfortunate setback for residents of that community.