Winnipeggers will be able to beat the heat with some splish-splashing fun beginning next week. That also means that hundreds of workers who were laid off or redeployed are getting called back to work.

The City of Winnipeg says in a release that it will open outdoor pools beginning June 25, 2021, and wading pools beginning July 1, 2021.

"To support the resumption of services, we are recalling approximately 360 Community Services Department staff members who were temporarily redeployed or laid off," the release says. "As a result, we will be phasing out the Community Service Ambassador (CSA) program by June 26, 2021."

The CSA program was started by the City of Winnipeg in the spring of 2020 to ensure that people using public spaces such as parks were following public health orders, including physical distancing. 

Four outdoor heated pools will open on Friday, June 25:

  • Kildonan Park Outdoor Pool, 2015 Main St.
  • Transcona Aquatic Park, 1101 Wabasha St.
  • St. Vital Outdoor Pool, 5 rue des Meurons
  • Westdale Outdoor Pool, 550 Dale Blvd.

On Monday, June 28, all other outdoor pools will open.

Reduced capacity, book in advance

The City says that in order to maintain physical distancing guidelines, the capacity at pools will be reduced. "Residents are encouraged to book swim blocks for most outdoor pools prior to arriving at the facilities, as there is no guarantee of drop-in admissions upon arrival, due to capacity restrictions."

Residents can begin to pre-register for outdoor pools on the afternoon of Monday, June 21, 2021.

"Swim blocks are not available at Freight House, Windsor Park, or Happyland Pools and are drop-in only. Blocks will be offered on a week-by-week basis and reservations can be made up to 10 p.m. the day before the pre-reserved time (space permitting). Every Thursday, another week of swim blocks will be added to what’s available for registration. Admission to unheated outdoor pools will be on a drop-in basis only, space permitting."

Registration is done online through the City's leisureONLINE service. You can also call 311 for assistance with registering. Residents can also register on-site for available blocks, as facilities open.

There are a number of other factors that should be taken into consideration before heading to the pool:

  • Swimmers must come prepared to swim as lockers will not be available, and there will be limited use of change rooms, washrooms, and showers. 
  • Gatherings of more than 5 persons are prohibited and residents should follow all public health orders.
  • Customers will be asked to use the self-assessment symptom checklist at the time of pre-booking, and before entering the pool. Anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to enter. 
  • Pool rentals and private services are not permitted at outdoor pools. Swimming lessons and Aquafit will not be offered at this time.
  • For pool schedules, locations, and admission information, see winnipeg.ca/pools.

Wading pools

On Thursday, July 1, 2021 the following wading pools are scheduled to open:

  • Dakota Park Wading Pool,1188 Dakota St.
  • McKittrick Park Wading Pool, 790 Rathgar Ave.
  • Central Park Wading Pool, 400 Cumberland Ave.
  • Westdale Wading Pool, 550 Dale Blvd.

They will be open 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

All other wading pools will begin opening Friday, July 2, 2021 according to their operating schedules and weather permitting.

Again, there are factors to take into consideration before going to a wading pool:

  • Gatherings of more than 5 persons are prohibited and residents should follow all public health orders.
  • Limited use of washrooms will be available.
  • For more information on wading pools, see winnipeg.ca/pools.