It’s time to invest in a renewed Wascana Pool.
For the past 70 years, Wascana Pool has been part of the summer park experience for Regina residents. Imagine the future and share your ideas on how the pool can best meet the needs of Regina residents.
We want to hear from you. Wascana Park is an important community destination in the summer. Tell us what a family fun day at Wascana Pool looks like to you. We are counting on you to share your ideas and complete the survey before June 21.
Your feedback will help to create further design concept options for a renewed pool. At that time, we will be asking for further input from residents.
To keep informed, sign up below for email notifications on the progress of the project and future consultation opportunities.
The City currently has five outdoor pools that were built between 1946 and 1962. The average life span of a pool is 30 to 40 years. Wascana Pool is 71 years old.
Outdoor pools provide sport, recreation, fitness and learn-to-swim opportunities for the public, and are a hub for community activity. A new outdoor aquatic facility emerged as a priority through the research and public consultation undertaken during the development of the City's Recreation Master Plan.
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.
Q&As
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.
