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The Pyramid Recreation Centre pool is undergoing significant upgrades.
The Aquatics Centre has been closed to the public since November 2024, to accommodate renovations to the space that would address safety concerns caused by saltwater and high humidity. These renovations were deemed essential to ensure the facility could be used safely and effectively by the community.
Due to unexpected recently discovered structural issues caused by saltwater and high humidity stemming from insufficiently sized HVAC equipment installed during the original construction, the renovation work is now expected to extend the closure until fall 2025.
The Town is hosting a drop-in Open House in the EndZone of the Pyramid Recreation Centre on Wednesday, June 18 from 5 to 7 PM. Residents will have the chance to observe the progress of the renovation to date and ask questions.
Questions and comments about the Aquatics Centre renovation can be directed to Stephanie Ische, Director of Community Services at sische@town.stmarys.on.ca.
Read our full media release for details.
Please note that the Aquatics Centre will be closed for renovations starting Monday, November 11. The project is expected to last until July 2025.
The pool will be closed for the duration of the project, but the rest of the Pyramid Recreation Centre will be open and operating as usual.
What initially caused the pool to require repairs? |
The Aquatics Centre, which opened in 2008, initially operated using a salt chlorine-generation system, commonly known as a "salt water pool". This method was popular among municipal pools in the mid-2000s due to perceived health benefits and the belief that it would not adversely affect facility components. However, over time, many municipalities, including St. Marys, discovered that indoor salt water pools significantly deteriorated pool equipment and building infrastructure. Despite staff efforts to manage the issues, it became evident that transitioning away from the salt system was necessary.
In 2018, the Town converted the pool to a traditional chlorine system and implemented a comprehensive plan to replace damaged equipment and features within the natatorium. Additionally, it was recognized that the original construction did not include sufficient HVAC capacity to adequately maintain indoor air quality; the existing system only provided about half the required capacity.
The need for these upgrades has not been due to poor operating or maintenance practices. The Town adheres to a robust Asset Management Plan, ensuring diligent reinvestment in the facility. Staff have proactively maintained, replaced, or updated mechanical equipment according to schedule or when premature failures occurred due to the saline and excessively humid environment. |
What is the reason for extending the pool closure? |
March 26, 2025
The extension is due to the delay of the new HVAC unit, which is central to this renovation. The unit is custom-mounted on the roof and has a delivery timeline of 22 weeks (plus the timing to tender and award). Due to the condition of the natatorium, it was advised that the pool be shut down for safety and to prevent further degradation of the structure and equipment. This has necessitated the November start time. The project schedule was adapted to utilize the long lead time for the new HVAC unit effectively. Significant work has been required, and some has already been completed prior to the arrival of the new unit, including thorough investigations, shop drawings, demolition, sprinkler modifications, pool deck drain replacement, piping modifications, and preparation work.
Upon closing the pool, scaffolding was installed to allow for further in-depth investigation using lifts of the existing structure, walls, and piping (including destructive testing). During the investigation, additional issues within the natatorium were uncovered, such as corrosion on the structure, excessive soluble salt contamination, poor paint adhesion, excessive pitting of the sprinkler piping, improper paint usage, and moisture-damaged drywall. These unexpected items have added further time to the project schedule. Furthermore, it was communicated to the project team that the custom HVAC unit would be delayed by 2 months due to supply chain issues, resulting in a revised project turnover time. Each component of the facility repairs requires sufficient time to assess, diagnose, and properly repair. It is imperative that every factor is effectively managed to ensure the public will be able to enjoy this facility for years to come following these necessary improvements.
May 29, 2025
Due to unexpected recently discovered structural issues, the renovation work is now expected to extend the closure of the pool until fall 2025.
The Aquatics Centre, opened in 2008, initially used a saltwater chlorine-generation system. While popular with municipal pools at the time, this system caused significant deterioration of equipment and infrastructure indoors. In response, the Town transitioned to a traditional chlorine system in 2018 and developed a plan to replace damaged equipment and improve air quality. The upgrades address humidity issues stemming from insufficiently sized HVAC equipment installed during the original construction in 2006.
To address the issues caused by the saltwater and high humidity, the Pyramid Recreation Centre pool closed to the public in November 2024 for necessary renovations deemedrequired for the safe use of the facility.
The project involves the installation of a new HVAC unit and exhaust systems to improve air quality. Additionally, repairs are being performed on various parts of the Aquatics Centre that have experienced wear and tear and salt damage. These upgrades not only aim to repair existing issues but also to future-proof the Aquatics Centre against similar challenges in the coming years.
Once renovations are complete, the Aquatics Centre staff will need a period of time to prepare the facility for public use by filling, heating and treating the pool and training lifeguards and staff. |
Will the Quarry open for the season early? |
The St. Marys Quarry and Super Splash will not open early and is scheduled to officially open for the 2025 season on Friday, June 27. The Operations, Aquatics, and Super Splash teams have established this date based on a developed opening timeline for critical tasks required to prepare the Quarry for the season. This includes maintenance, setup of the Quarry and facilities, hiring and training of lifeguards and canteen staff, and installation of inflatables at the Super Splash Park. |
Will swimming lessons be held at the Quarry this year instead? |
Swimming lessons will not be offered at the Quarry during the Aquatics Centre's closure, as most levels of swimming lessons provided cannot be accommodated at the Quarry.
Additionally, in 2022, lessons were moved to the Aquatics Centre due to the Quarry's adjusted opening time, which changed from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 a.m. after the Super Splash Park was established.
Swimming lessons and aquatics programs will resume once the Aquatics Centre reopens and dates and time will be announced through the Pyramid Recreation Facebook page and the Town’s website once confirmed. |
Can I only receive a credit for programming and lessons to my ActiveNet account? |
If you prefer not to use your ActiveNet credits when the pool reopens and would like to request a refund for unused swim passes or credits, please contact the Aquatics Department via email at aquatics@town.stmarys.on.ca. |
Will the pool open in the fall, or is there a possibility the closure could be extended again? |
While it is hoped that there will be no further delays, any further postponements would be essential to guarantee the project's successful completion, which remains the highest priority.
We are eagerly anticipating the reopening the upgraded and enhanced Aquatics Centre. |
The pool offers year-round programming and swimming lessons for all ages and abilities including private, semi-private, and group swimming lessons. Work your way up to becoming a Lifeguard with Lifesaving Society courses such as Bronze Medallion/Emergency First-Aid and Bronze Cross.
Want to become a lifeguard but don't know where to start? Sign up for the Leadership Aquatic Volunteer Program and gain valuable work experience and skills to become a swim instructor and lifeguard!
Swimming Lessons will proceed once the Aquatics Centre reopens following renovations. Stay tuned for updates!
Lesson descriptions and registration links are available in the list below.
Group Lessons | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
We offer a variety of swimming lessons for children of all ages and abilities. View group lesson times on ActiveNet.
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Private Lessons |
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Want one-on-one attention? Our certified instructor can help kids and adults alike learn everything from the basics to advanced techniques. View private lesson times on ActiveNet. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Semi-private Lessons | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Register online for a private lesson and follow the prompts to specify that you'd like semi-private. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Leadership Aquatic Volunteer Program | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
This new opportunity includes supporting a swim lesson class under the direction of an instructor. Aquatic volunteers must be a minimum of 14 years of age, with current Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid. Benefits of volunteering:
How to become a volunteer:
How to earn discounts towards aquatic courses:
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Get active at the Pyramid Recreation Centre with a variety of aquatics programs including open swims, lane swims and aquafit!
Please note that current aquatics programs are currently not running while the Aquatics Centre is temporarily closed for renovations. The project is expected to last until fall 2025
Program descriptions and registration links are available in the list below.
Aquafit | ||||||
Get energised, burn calories, and improve your overall fitness with this moderate to high intensity cardio water workout. Exercising in the water lowers the impact of high intensity movements while creating a natural resistance that will build your muscle strength. |
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Lanes | ||||||
Lanes are set out for lap swimming, providing an excellent opportunity to get fit. |
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Open Swim | ||||||
Bring the family for an open swim in our indoor pool. Enjoy deep and shallow ends as well as an attached leisure pool. A ramp and wide steps into the pool make it accessible for all. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission Policy in effect. |
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Pool Rentals |
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Rent the pool for your next event! Check availability and book online through ActiveNet.
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Pay per visit | ||||||||||||||||
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Passes | ||||||||||||||||
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7 years and under |
Regardless of swimming ability, children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is at least 12 years of age and responsible for their direct supervision, with a maximum of 2 children per parent/guardian and must remain in the shallow end. Parent/guardian must be in bathing attire and within arm’s reach of the child(ren) at all times in and out of the water. Lifejackets are available for those 7 and under, but not required. |
8 to 10 years |
Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is at least 12 years of age and responsible for their direct supervision, with a maximum of 2 children for per parent/guardian and must remain in the shallow end. Maximum number of children increases to 8 bathers to one parent/guardian (8:1) if approved life-jackets are worn by all non-swimmers in their charge. They must remain in the shallow end. Parent/guardian must be in bathing attire and within arm's reach of the child(ren) at all times in and out of the water. Child can complete swim test: Admitted unaccompanied. |
11+ years |
Admitted unaccompanied. Recommended to always swim with a buddy. |
Definitions |
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Water safety basics are key to preventing an emergency in or around the water. Check the following resources to learn more:
How do I use your online registration portal? |
Registration instructions and tutorials are available on our Register for Programs page. |
Can I book a room with my pool rental? |
Yes, room bookings are available. Please contact Guest Service at 519-284-2160 or prccsr@town.stmarys.on.ca. |
Can I use a locker to store my items? |
Yes, lockers are available. Please bring your own lock. |
What if I don’t have a credit card or access to the internet? How do I register? |
Call us at 519-284-2160 and we will assist you. |
What is your cancellation policy? |
We require a minimum of 24 hours notice to avoid being charged for the program. To cancel your program, please email aquatics@town.stmarys.on.ca or call 519-284-2160 to speak directly to a Guest Services Attendant. |
What equipment is available for my swim? |
We have noodles, kick boards, pull buoys and lifejackets available to use. |
Can I use the sauna? |
Yes, the sauna is open. |
Please visit our Financial Assistance and Subsidy Information page to learn more.