Staff training gets underway at the Kingfisher Outdoor Pool this week, preparing the facility for its May 25 opening to the public. Lifeguards, aquatic instructors, and maintenance crews are completing their final certifications and on-site drills ahead of the busy summer season.
The 2026 operating budget, funded through property taxes and provincial transfers, includes a $2.3 million allocation for aquatic programming. This funding covers lifeguard wages, water chemistry testing, and facility maintenance across all outdoor pools. By locking in these costs early, the City protects the tax rate from unexpected summer surcharges and keeps registration fees stable for families.
“We are making sure every staff member is ready to keep swimmers safe and help families enjoy the water,” says Caroline Dubé, Recreation Programs Coordinator. “The training period gives our team time to practice emergency drills, review water quality standards, and get comfortable with the pool layout before the first swimmer dives in.”
During the two-week training window, the pool deck will be closed to the public. Crews will also run the filtration systems and test chemical balances to ensure the water meets provincial health standards. Once the opening day activities take place on May 25, the splash pad and outdoor pool will be open for daily swim sessions.
Residents who plan to visit the pool can register for drop-in swim times and learn-to-swim classes starting in March. The City encourages families to book early, as spots for peak afternoon sessions fill up quickly. If you live outside the Kingfisher neighbourhood, you can reach the pool via the 10 Bus route or a short walk along the Tamsin River Trail.
For the full summer schedule, daily operating hours, and a list of all aquatic programs, visit the [[Programs | Programs]] page. You can also review how the 2026 operating budget supports community facilities on the [[View the current annual budget | View the current annual budget]] page.
