Strathcona Gardens Change Rooms - Let's Clear Things Up

Curious about the change rooms in the new Aquatic Centre? 
Let's clear things up. 

Here’s what you need to know about privacy, safety, showers and universal change rooms. 
 

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I've heard there be only universal change areas and not separate gendered change rooms?

• To continue to keep the pools open during construction, the project is being completed in phases. The new Aquatic Centre will open this fall with universal change rooms only. Additional gendered change rooms will open in Summer 2027.

I’m worried about privacy and safety in the new universal change area.

• Similar to our current family change room, universal change rooms feature individual, full-height private rooms situated along a bright, high-visibility corridor. Each lockable stall features floor-to-ceiling partitions to ensure complete personal privacy and security. The main corridor opens directly to the pool deck, and there are no open group showers in the change area, meaning nudity is restricted to private change rooms.
• Shared areas are highly visible, with clear sightlines for lifeguards, staff, parents and caregivers, helping support a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. You can also arrive fully dressed for swimming to reduce wait times for private change rooms, similar to the experience patrons had during Covid.

Is there somewhere for me to shower in the universal change area?

• 11 out of 17 of our private change rooms contain a shower inside. There are 5 poolside open-format showers so patrons can have a cleansing rinse before using the pool facilities.
• There are no open group showers in the change area, meaning nudity is restricted to private change rooms.

See inside the new facility with our videos on YouTube. 

Stay informed: Learn more about the project and get alerts on what to expect during construction, sign up for e-news and alerts at www.srd.ca/recreate