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. Wascana Pool will close for renewal at the end of this season and work has begun to plan the design of a renewed facility.
We know Wascana Park is an important community destination and we welcome your ideas on how the pool can best meet the needs of Regina residents.
The first phase of public consultation, which included market research and an online survey, is now complete. Approximately 500 residents participated in the market research and over 4,000 people responded to the online survey.
Highlights from the market research include:
- 6 out of 10 (57%) respondents indicated they are aware of the outdoor aquatic facility in Wascana
- 7 out of 10 (68%) respondents support a new aquatic facility in the park
- 8 out of 10 (76%) said they are likely to use the new facility
Read the full market research report.
What we heard through the online survey:
- Swimming for leisure and recreation is the highest priority aquatic activity (33%), while swimming for personal fitness is the second priority (18%)
- 82% identified expanded rest and shade areas as important amenities
- 73% think it’s important to offer more/expanded water features, while 72% think onsite picnic areas are important
- 47% identify a leisure and recreation pool as one of the three most important features, while a third expect to see water play/spray features (33%) and improved change room access (32%)
- More than a quarter (28%) expect a waterslide, while 20% expect to still feel like they’re in a park
Read the full survey report .
Thank you to all who provided input, your feedback will help to create conceptual design options for a renewed pool.
We will be looking to residents to provide further feedback on conceptual design options this fall. To keep informed, sign up below for email notifications on the progress of the project and future consultation opportunities.
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.
