Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre — Attraction in Toronto

I've been going to this pool every week for 3.5 years with my young son... It's sort of our thing. We attend the preschool swim on Mondays. Regent park does not offer a family swim program. My son is leaving for a trip abroad with his father tonight, and as a working mum, I've been looking forward to our swim all week. Great way to say bye bye. My sister in law had to have surgery on her hand today, and I was called at the last minute to look after my 11 year old niece. The last few weeks have been quiet at preschool swim, so I figured why not bring her. A lot of times people come with spouses, grandparents, friends, the odd 7 or 8 year old etc. And I've never seen anyone get asked to leave. My poor niece barely made it through the door when the young man behind the counter literally pointed at her and said she can't come in. She was embarrassed... I told her to go wait off to the side. I asked for his name, he wouldn't give it to me. I asked to speak to the manager.... Honestly at this point I was boiling. I have been in this pool where adults out number children 3 to 1.... I've had to get out out this pool because kids have pooped in it... I've been in this pool when it's freezing cold.... And you're telling me, my 11 year old lifeguard niece can't accompany her baby cousin to swimming?? I can't even swim!! If he went under, I'm of no help! He's better off with her than me! It added insult to injury to look over and see 3 children and 6 adults in the pool. I understand policy... But as my 3 year old cried, and my 11 year old niece apologized profusely for ruining our day... Which she didn't... It wasn't her fault... I was just so upset.

I'll say the manager did offer to let us in... But I was already too pissed off that, that this would even be a thing. I wish I was able to keep my cool better, but it was absolutely ludicrous. If rules are going to be enforced... Then enforce them for everyone. I don't want to see mum's and dad's and grandmothers showing up for a morning of fun together.... Of course I'm saying that sarcastically.... Our days of fun here are over. Jimmy Simpson is gross and full of chlorine, but at least the staff have hearts!

And for the record... If I ask an employee of the city his name.... I expect him...

Disappointment in Policy Changes

I write this review with a sense of sadness and disappointment as a long-time patron of our local pool. Once a haven of comfort and a cherished part of our community, the pool has recently seen changes that have had an unforeseen negative impact on some of us.

Most notably, the decision to dissolve the "women-only" hours in a bid to accommodate non-binary individuals has proven problematic. This slot was treasured by many women in the community, providing a safe and private environment. Its removal has not only created a sense of regression but has also led to an erosion of safety and privacy, leaving us feeling unheard and dismissed.

The lack of foresight in this decision is hard to comprehend. In striving to be inclusive, the pool management has inadvertently created exclusion. While the intention to create a space that recognizes and respects non-binary individuals is commendable, it should not have resulted in the loss of a cherished facility for another group.

On a practical note, the quality of the pool remains the same. The cleanliness of the water, the maintenance of the premises, and the generally friendly demeanor of the staff are aspects that continue to be appreciated. Yet, these positives are overshadowed by the significant misstep in policy change.

I urge the pool management to consider alternatives that can cater to everyone’s needs and preferences without sacrificing one group’s comfort for another’s. There are many potential solutions that could be implemented, such as allocating separate time slots or days for different groups.

In conclusion, the local pool, once a symbol of unity and joy within our community, has sadly faltered. My hope is that the management will take this feedback seriously and work towards creating an environment that truly caters to all. Until then, I find it difficult to rate the pool with more...

this is one of the best facilities in the neighbourhood (if not the best), and it definitely sweetens the deal for those living in somehow sketchy Regent Park. Leisure and lane swimming are free! a little unusual thing are co-ed change rooms. showers are right by the pool, so you can only shower in your bathing suit. there are lockers but you need to bring your own lock. most of people just bring their bags to the pool area, where you can keep an eye on them for all the time. the atmosphere is rather relaxed. the slow lane swimming is everything but lane swimming. people stop in the middle or change directions or just hang out to chat. the life guards are not overly strict, so it is usually up to other swimmer to explain to those new to the facility what the lane swimming is, and that there are certain rules (like keeping the direction). anyways, it can be a pleasant experience, but just be patient with others. l eisure swim can be a bit wild, especially on weekends. people just walk in and out - again - the life guards are too busy doing their job I suppose to address people walking in to the pool area in street clothes, just hanging out or maybe waiting for their friends. the hot tub is still not available (as of August 2022) not sure when it's gonna be operational again. anyways, it's free so I can't complain. sometimes there is no soap in showers/washrooms, so you might wanna bring your own. a beautiful park outside - in summer you can just dry out there. the facility has hair driers though. PS just read the recent reviews about thefts plaguing the place… maybe that explains all those people walking in and out the change rooms in street clothes… I wish there was more supervision. anyways, if you live near by just walk and don't bring any valuables with you. I keep my bag with clothes, a towel and shoes by the swimming pool, never gtt robbed yet...