Community Pride in Motion: Restoring the McGuire Lake Fountain
Something special has been happening behind the scenes at McGuire Lake. If you’ve noticed the fountain dancing on the water again this week, you’re seeing the result of months of dedicated local craftsmanship and community spirit.
The Shuswap Makerspace, a local non-profit based in the Innovation Centre, recently spearheaded a complete restoration of the fountain. This wasn’t just a quick fix—the unit was fully disassembled, including hours of cleaning years of scale and deposits.
Under the leadership of Mike Melin, Greg Anderson and a team of dedicated volunteers, the project involved a massive technical rebuild:
- Precision Motor Replacement: Installation of a complete new motor to replace the original, which was entirely burned out.
- Global Sourcing: New seals, impellers, bearings, and nozzles were sourced from suppliers worldwide to ensure the highest quality.
- Custom Protection: New suction screens were integrated to protect the system and ensure long-term operational health.
A Gift to the City and Taxpayers
This initiative was completed at no cost to the City for labor. While replacement estimates for the fountain were in the range of $100,000, the Makerspace team successfully restored the “Gem of Salmon Arm” for approximately 15% of that cost. By utilizing the “Repair Café” philosophy of refurbishing rather than replacing, the community has saved significant tax dollars and avoided delay.
How You Can Help Keep the Water Flowing
While the labor and expertise were freely donated, the project required a significant financial investment in specialized parts and materials. We are now reaching out to the community to raise approximately $15,000 to cover these rebuild costs and establish a fund for ongoing professional maintenance.
By contributing to the McGuire Lake Fountain Fund, you are directly supporting:
- Maintenance & Care: Regular servicing of new mechanical components to prevent future breakdowns.
- Operational Sustainability: Keeping this beloved landmark functional for years to come.
- Future Innovation: Supporting the Makerspace volunteers who dedicate their skill to community-saving projects.
Make a Donation Today
We are proud of what our local makers have achieved. We are seeking contributions from community organizations and businesses, though donations of any size are gratefully accepted and will be publicly recognized in an upcoming online presentation.
Maguire Lake Fountain Fund
Thank you for your continued support of the Shuswap Makerspace and the landmarks that make our city home. Together, we can keep the heart of McGuire Lake beating.