Three swimming pools in Lachine, Que., a burrough of Montreal, are open, free of charge, to the many residents wanting to come and cool off.
Lachine residents must shower before they arrive at the pool and must already be wearing their swimsuit in addition to following various health rules including handwashing and physical distancing.
Two lanes for practising lengths have been added to the Parc LaSalle pool in recent days. Since there are many outdoor pools in Lachine, there are no line-ups to access the facilities, and so it has become possible to add to the swimming pool options in this way. However, the head lifeguard reserves the right to take such options away in case of heavy traffic.
Lachine will financially support the two organizations that manage the Dixie and CRLO pools, which reopened to their members in early July for swimming in accordance with the current health rules.
“We are pleased the measures announced by the provincial government will allow us to once again offer aquatic activities. This early summer heat wave makes us appreciate our outdoor pools even more. The announced closure of pools in the west end had sent shock waves through the community,” stated Lachine Mayor Maja Vodanovic. “Thanks to the easing of the health measures and with the borough’s financial support, these pools will now be open. Lachine thanks the volunteers and members of the board of directors who are working to ensure our young people can enjoy the summer.”
Since Lachine does not have any indoor aquatic facilities, it recently renewed an agreement with Collège Sainte-Anne for the use of the pool at its sports complex. As the college has a greater need for its facilities for its students, it reduced the number of hours of access from the previous agreement.
“Lachine is fortunate to have a number of outdoor pools, but unfortunately, we do not yet have an indoor pool. We are working towards the construction of a new sports centre and the adjustments to our indoor aquatic facilities offer reflect this necessary transition,” Vodanovic said.
