The Whitehorse Glacier Bears Swim Club launched a survey last week to gauge community interest in building a new swimming pool in the city.
Currently, Whitehorse swimmers have only one facility to take a leisurely dip or practice more competitively. An increasing population has led to the facility being at overcapacity, said Glacier Bears’ head coach, Bronwyn Pasloski.
As of Nov. 13, the survey had garnered 600 responses, with approximately 80 per cent agreeing that the city could do with another swimming pool.
Overcapacity issues at the Canada Games Centre pool are leading to increased wait times and the need for a lottery system for parents and families to register their children for lessons, according to Pasloski.
“It’s quite observable and based on an objective point of view that there does seem to be an increased capacity and demand. We’re recognizing that in the sense of being a community member, but also, of course, advocating for the sport of swimming,” said Pasloski.
The steady increase in Whitehorse residents has led to increased demand for pool space, overwhelming the Glacier Bears Swim Club with more people wanting to join, Pasloski said.
The limited 25-metre pool capacity means the club currently shares lanes with other groups, creating a bottleneck that hinders training and lessons.
Pasloski also highlighted that the current 25-metre pool is inadequate for competitive training, putting the club at a disadvantage. A 50-metre Olympic regulation pool could create more opportunities for athletes, better meeting the club’s growing demand and competitive goals.
To manage demand, the club has implemented a trial process for new members, ensuring a fair intake process amidst high interest from families unable to secure spots for their children.
“We want to align it in terms of the competitive nature of our organization, but we now have a trial to our organization, because there are only so many spots that are available,” said Pasloski.
A new facility housing climbing and gymnastic equipment is currently under construction in Whitehorse’s Whistle Bend subdivision. Although the Glacier Bears are just testing the waters of public opinion, they hope that advocating for a new 50-metre pool might spawn a new fit-for-purpose swimming facility.
Contact Jake Howarth at jake.howarth@yukon-news.com
