For the past 70 years, Wascana Pool has been part of the summer park experience for Regina residents. Work is underway to design and build a renewed facility that will meet the needs of Regina residents and enhance the park experience.
Project Update
Following extensive public and stakeholder consultation, the project is progressing through the design concept stage. A report on the project and design concept being developed will be presented to Executive Committee on February 12, 2020 at 2 p.m. The design concept path aligns with our goal for a renewed facility that fits within the park, is accessible and inclusive and provides a wide variety of programming opportunities from family-focuses recreation to fitness and deep-water activities.
The next step is to refine the concept into a finished conceptual design and proceed with the detailed design phase. While the City will be considering a number of factors in the detailed design, feedback through public consultation is valuable in understanding residents’ preferences for a renewed facility and will help to inform the detailed design.
Public Consultation
Over 5,300 Regina residents responded to the second phase of public engagement, sharing their preferences for pool basin design and features. Opportunities to provide feedback included an online survey and an Open House on November 12, 2019. Responses represent a range of preferences and demonstrate broad community interest in a renewed facility. Highlights include:
- Most respondents (53%) preferred the separate lap and leisure pool design.
- Survey respondents are likely to use a variety of features with hot tub (78%), lazy river (76%) and water slides (73%) identified as the features respondents are most likely to use.
- Responses received from 94 residents who attended the open house indicated a stronger preference for the separate lap and leisure pool design (71%) and strongly favoured lane swimming (92%) as the feature they are most likely to use. Comments received at the open house indicated most wanting a pool with 50-metre swim lanes.
Read the full report of the November 2019 Engagement
The first phase of public consultation included market research, online survey and stakeholder consultations. Residents told us that family recreation is their highest priority with opportunities for personal fitness being second. Approximately 500 residents participated in the market research and over 4,000 people responded to the online survey.
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Proposed Timeline
2019
- Community engagement on the design of a renewed Wascana Pool
- Maple Leaf Pool located in the Heritage Neighbourhood reaches end of its useful life
- Design of new Maple Leaf Pool begins
- Program funds spent at Maple Leaf Pool are redirected to additional summer recreation programs developed in consultation with the Heritage Community Association
2020
- Construction of renewed Wascana Pool begins
- Rebuild Maple Leaf Pool
2021
- Potential opening of renewed Wascana Pool
Location
The Wascana Pool site has reached the end of its useful life and has been identified as the location for the new facility which will be developed in consultation with the community. The Wascana Park Master Plan references culture and recreation as part of the Park vision. A renewed Wascana Pool on an expanded footprint is consistent with the vision and the Master Plan. The facility could include elements that would support activities such as lane swimming, diving, water play, water sliding and lounging/picnicking.
FAQs
What are the benefits to opening a renewed Wascana Pool?
A new facility will better meet residents’ needs and participation will increase once the new facility is built. This has occurred in other western Canadian cities where new, more modern outdoor aquatic centres are built. These facilities provide recreation elements such as zero depth entry, water slides, spray toys, lap swimming and diving that appeal to a broader range of residents.
What is the participation rate of the outdoor pools?
Participation in Regina’s outdoor pools is low relative to capacity. Although Regina has more outdoor pools on a per capita basis than other Western Canadian cities (see table below), they are all underutilized, outdated in design, have limited support features and do not provide the contemporary experience that residents have enjoyed when visiting other municipalities of Regina’s size.
Participation Rate of Regina Pools
| Pool | Year Constructed | Capacity | Average Daily Attendance (2017) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wascana | 1947 | 915 | 273 |
| Massey | 1964 | 710 | 426 |
| Regent | 1962 | 710 | 248 |
| Dewdney | 1946 | 250 | 123 |
| Maple Leaf | 1946 | 250 | 134 |
How does Regina’s pool capacity compare to other municipalities?
Regina has more outdoor pool on a per capita basis compared to other western Canadian cities.
| Municipality | Provision Ratio | Number of Outdoor Pools |
|---|---|---|
| Regina (currently 9 lanes) | 1/43,021 | 5 |
| Saskatoon | 1/58,306 | 4 |
| Winnipeg | 1/70,522 | 5 heated, 5 unheated |
| Lethbridge | 1/46,365 | 2 |
| Red Deer | 1/100,418 | 1 |
| Edmonton | 1/186,506 | 5 |
Why can't the City repair Maple Leaf and Wascana Pools?
Engineering experts have confirmed that, due to age and condition, the two outdoor pools have reached the end of their useful life. Maple Leaf Pool cannot safely be opened in 2019 and Wascana Pool will not be able to open beyond the 2019 season. The deficiencies at these facilities are beyond simple maintenance and repair and include major structural, mechanical and electrical systems as well as accessibility and building code requirements.
Are there any plans for the Maple Leaf Pool site?
Maple Leaf Pool will be rebuilt with the intention of opening in 2020, depending on construction.
Why was the Wascana Pool site recommended for a renewed facility?
The Wascana Park Master Plan and the approved vision for the park include recreation.
- Central Location: Wascana Pool is centrally located in Regina and is easily accessible.
- Environment: Wascana Pool is situated in Wascana Park, where people love to swim. Public consultation has revealed that many customers spend a full day in Wascana Park, with the pool being one of many amenities that they access throughout the day.
- Available Space: Wascana Pool is Regina’s largest pool, with room to expand.
