A summer shutdown will see a popular community pool in Oak Bay closed for more than two months as the facility undergoes upgrades, according to the district.
The District of Oak Bay, in a notice, says the pool at Oak Bay Recreation Centre will be shuttered from July 1 to Sept. 2, 2024, amid the renovations. This means all pool services, including swimming lessons, public swims, and aquafit sessions, will be unavailable.
The rec centre is located at 1975 Bee St.
The district says that while the work will not be visually noticeable once completed, upgrades to air handling systems are “absolutely necessary to support a healthy environment” for visitors’ exercise and water-play needs.
“The upcoming shutdown of the pool is necessary to upgrade the existing pool dehumidifier and air handling system,” states the April 4 notice.
“The completed installation of the dehumidifier will improve the air quality in the pool facility while also supporting the longer-term sustainability of our facility’s infrastructure,” it reads.
“Additionally, we will be conducting our usual repair and refinishing, including some upgrades to the sauna and steam rooms.”
The Oak Bay Rec Centre weight room, as well as the weight room at the Henderson Rec Centre at 2291 Cedar Hill Cross Rd., will remain open amid the pool closure, so the district is encouraging people to make use of these facilities.
It says those with active time-sensitive memberships at Oak Bay Rec Centre can access all other regional recreation centre pools, including Saanich Commonwealth Place, Gordon Head Rec Centre, Panorama Rec Centre, Esquimalt Rec Centre, Crystal Pool, Juan de Fuca Rec Centre, and SEAPARC.
“If these alternatives do not meet your activity needs, please contact Reception to inquire about options for your time-sensitive membership,” the district added.
After it closes in July, the Oak Bay Rec Centre pool is scheduled to reopen on Sept. 3.
Ethan Morneau
