Pelham pool to open this summer pending Provincial, Regional permissions and guidelines

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 5, 2020

Pelham, ON – The Pelham pool at Marlene Stewart Streit Park will open this summer, though an opening date is not yet known.

Council passed a motion on June 1, 2020, approving the pool’s opening, pending Provincial and Regional permissions and guidelines.

Staff proposed the facility be prepared for the season, and when the Province lifts the restrictions, move forward with opening the facility. The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has stated “There is no evidence that the virus COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, spas or water play areas. Proper operation and maintenance (including disinfection with chlorine and bromine) of these facilities should inactivate the virus in water”. This statement supports the opening of the pool.

“This isn’t happening tomorrow, but we want to be ready when we’re given the green light to open the pool this summer,” said Mayor Marvin Junkin. “Our pool is used by many not just for recreation, but as a way to cool down in the heat of the summer. Opening the pool, when it happens, will reintroduce some normalcy in these otherwise uncertain times.”

Annually, the pool sees 4,500 users, including those who come for swimming lessons, lane swims, aquafit classes, swim teams, and public swims. Swimming lessons are currently registered on a waiting list.

When the pool reopens, users will need to come dressed in their swimsuits as change rooms will not be open.

New operating procedures will be implemented and staff training will be provided in COVID-19 Aquatic Procedures, such as First Aid and Resuscitation protocols and personal protective equipment for aquatic and facility staff. 

To learn more about the Town of Pelham’s response to COVID-19, visit: www.pelham.ca/covid19

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For more information, please contact:

Marc MacDonald
Communications and Public Relations Specialist
905-892-2607 x309
mmacdonald@pelham.ca