I once again find myself in the happy positions of writing something positive about Prince George, specifically the City of Prince George. I want to send my heartfelt thanks to the administration, staff, and mayor and council at the City of Prince George, and particularly those who work at our two pool facilities.
Recently (spring break), my family and I were lucky enough to travel to Calgary to visit relatives. We were there over the course of a weekend and some weekdays. It was March in Calgary, and like Prince George the weather was that dusty combination of dule gray, cold in the morning/warm in the afternoon, garbage and dog poop melting out of every snowbank, everything smells vaguely of rotting, delight we call Canadian spring.
Thus, we decided to go swimming, and after consulting the googles, chose what looked like a lovely family pool. Upon arriving, we were told that it is closed Monday-Wednesdays, despite the website saying otherwise. We then tried a second pool, which was open but only for school visits. Our next action was to call the City of Calgary to see if one of the other three pools in the area was open. We spoke with a polite person who after 12 minutes of searching was finally able to tell us that indeed all pools were closed to the public, if not entirely, then at least until 5pm on weekdays. When we tried again on the weekend, we were turned away because the pool was at capacity.
After returning from our vacation, my son and I were settled in the hot tub at the aquatic centre on a weekday (Pro-D), surrounded my other children and caregivers and it struck me how lucky we were to be able to do this. Not all Canadians have access like this – even those in large centres. COVID-19 not withstanding, our aquatic facilities are more open than not, adults, children and caregivers can access the pool (mostly) any time, and I have never been turned away because the building was at capacity. Our pools are clean, welcoming, and all-round great places. The staff is always friendly and accommodating of the extra needs of my family. We are so lucky to live in a place where we can swim at a pool all year. Pools are expensive and complicated, but so hugely important to so many families. Thank you to all who make ours run smoothly and consistently.
Marnie Hamagami
Prince George
