The closure of pools across Canada poses challenges in maintaining safety and nurturing young swimming talent like Summer McIntosh. Municipalities and universities face financial constraints, leading to neglected upkeep of aging pools, resulting in the need for costly renovations or closures. A recent report by Swimming Canada highlighted that more than half of public indoor pools in Canada are over 25 years old, with less than half of the 25-metre pools in good condition.
According to Swim BC president Jeannie Lo, the main reason for pool closures is the lack of regular maintenance until pools face significant issues. The closure of facilities like the St. James Civic Centre pool in Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba’s pool has left swimmers, including St. James Seals, struggling to find adequate training space.
The closure of pools in various regions, such as the Joyce Fromson Pool in Manitoba and the McKinnon Pool in Victoria, has further exacerbated the shortage of swimming facilities. The reduction in pool sizes, like the Vancouver Aquatic Centre’s transition to a 25-metre pool, adds to the challenges faced by swim clubs and athletes.
The limited pool availability has led to overcrowding at alternative facilities like the Hillcrest Aquatic Centre in Vancouver, prompting concerns about the quality of training and instruction. The situation is further complicated by the closure of pools in Acadia University and Weyburn, Saskatchewan, due to structural issues and financial constraints.
Despite some efforts to renew or replace aging pools in certain communities, lengthy shutdowns for renovations and new constructions disrupt various aquatic activities, including swimming lessons and lifeguard training. Jocelyn Jay from Swimming Canada emphasizes the importance of maintaining aquatic facilities to prevent drowning incidents, which are a significant concern for child safety in Canada.
In light of the ongoing pool facility crisis, there is a pressing need for government intervention, especially at the federal level, to prioritize pool investments and support aquatic sports development across the country. The future of swimming talent development and water safety hinges on addressing the challenges faced by the declining pool infrastructure in Canada.