Squamish is a community built around recreation. We have world-class trails, mountains, rivers and ocean access. Yet somehow, we can’t keep our public swimming pool open on Sundays.
Or Mondays, for that matter.
According to the District of Squamish, Brennan Park’s pool is closed two days a week because of an ongoing shortage of supervisory
lifeguards. Swimming lessons are also unavailable, and capacity is sometimes restricted even when the pool is open.
For families with young children, this is pretty disappointing. Sunday is one of the few days many parents have off together with their kids. Swimming should be one of the most accessible, affordable family activities, especially during our rainy winter months.
What I find particularly ironic is that Brennan Park continues to offer shower access on Sundays and Mondays, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
I have no objection to providing shower facilities for people who need them, including those experiencing homelessness. That’s an important community service. And I understand that operating showers doesn’t require the same staffing as a swimming pool.
But surely we should be able to provide both.
The District points to staffing shortages and says it’s actively recruiting and training employees. I appreciate those efforts, but
residents are still left with reduced services and no clear timeline for restoring them. At what point does a staffing shortage become a question of leadership and accountability?
This is exactly the kind of problem our newly elected mayor, Sean Easton, promised to address. During his campaign, Easton criticized Brennan Park’s shortcomings and declining recreational services. He summed it up perfectly: “We’re paying more and getting less.”
He also questioned the millions spent on Brennan Park renovations without delivering the larger pool and additional ice surface our
growing community needs. Now he has an opportunity to deliver.
I recognize Easton has only just taken office. He didn’t create this problem, and nobody expects him to solve it overnight. But we
shouldn’t have to wait years for a new recreation centre to get reasonable access to the one we already have.
I’d like to see Mayor Easton and council make restoring seven-day swimming a priority, with a realistic plan and measurable milestones. If additional funding is needed, tell us how much. If there are obstacles, explain them. And if the current approach isn’t working, try something different.
We’re not asking for an Olympic swimming facility. We’re asking to take our kids swimming on a Sunday. Mayor Easton, you were elected on a promise to make Squamish work better for the people who live here. Opening our swimming pool on Sundays would be a good place to start.
