A deteriorating pool liner at Portage la Prairie's outdoor waterpark will be replaced in the fall, thanks in large part to federal grant money.

The Portage Regional Recreation Authority (PRRA) says it's received a $110,000 Canada 150 grant to replace the liner and two water features at Splash Island. The total cost of the liner replacement project is expected to be $258,500 and construction will begin in September 2017, after the summer swimming season. The remaining $140,000 tab will be funded through the PRRA capital plan.

"For the past couple of years we've noticed the liner is slowly starting to deteriorate," says PRRA general manager David Sattler. "The pool is over 15 years old. The life expectancy on these liners is typically 10-12 years, so we're kind of on borrowed time."

"The cost of the liner replacement is significant when you look at the overall operational costs of Splash Island. Thankfully, it's a one in 10 to 15 year investment," continues Sattler. "When we get 40 per cent covered from funds that aren't locally sourced, that's always a huge benefit, as it allows us to continue with upgrades with all the recreation facilities instead of putting things on hold."

According to the PRRA, Splash Island Waterpark is a valuable recreation, leisure and tourism asset in Portage la Prairie that attracts over 25,000 visitors every summer.

The liner replacement will begin after the Labour Day holiday in September 2017 and is expected to take about five weeks.