St. Marys Quarry and Lind Sportsplex

Review the swim times

Two swims: 1:00–2:45pm, 3:15–5:00pm

Saturday June 19, Sunday June 20, 2021

Saturday June 26, Sunday June 27, 2021

Three swims: 1:00–2:45pm, 3:15–5:00pm,  5:30-7:30pm

Monday, June 28 to Monday, September 6, 2021

You will need to register and pay for your swim in advance through our secure online system.

Register for a swim

Create an account with a mobile device such as a cell phone or tablet.

1. Using your browser, visit the ActiveNet Registration Page select Sign In/Up and locate the “Don’t have an account?” and click Join.
2. Enter the email address you would like to use as your login
3. Begin entering your personal information, and create a password.
4. Read and agree to the Terms of Use,Copyright Policy and Your Privacy Rights and click next.
5. Continue completing your personal information, click "I’m not a robot" and hit submit.
6. Once your account has been created, please check your email to activate your account.
7. After your account has been activated, you may now manage your account settings, including subscribing for communications, and adding family members to your account.
8. If you are accessing your account from your mobile device, please click the menu on the left top corner and select 'full site' to enable editing of your account.

Download a PDF Version of these instructions with screenshots.

Sign up for a swim time:

1. Visit the ActiveNet Registration Page.
2. Sign in with your email and password.
3. Select the Activities tab to see your list of options.                          
4. Choose the category St. Marys Quarry.
5. The next page displays all available times and dates in that category. Select the Enroll Now for your date and time.
6. Next, select the participant, respond to some basic questions, and finally click on Add to cart.
7. Select Finish and pay. You will be able to pay with a credit card.
8. You’ll receive a receipt as confirmation of your registration.

Pack a bag

Our canteen will be closed this summer, so we encourage you to bring your own non-alcoholic drinks and snacks to enjoy during your quarry visit.

You will also need to bring a mask and wear it when entering the quarry and using the washroom, as per Huron Perth Public Health's instructions.

You can also bring your own lawn chair, life jacket or pool noodle, but please, leave the large floaties at home. Life jackets will also be available to use at no cost.

Put on your swimsuit

Only 5 people are allowed in the change rooms due to physical distancing requirements, so if do need to use them, you may have to wait in line.

The washrooms will be closed 10 minutes before each swim time in order to clean and get ready for the next swim time. The showers will not be available for use.

Check our water quality

Understand the basics of water safety

Water safety basics are key to preventing an emergency in or around the water. Check the following resources to learn more:

Lifesaving Society | Water Safety

Startboating.ca

Office of Boating Safety (canada.ca)

Be sun safe - Canadian Cancer Society

Confirm your registration

Use our online system to register, once you register you will receive a confirmation email.  You can show it on a mobile device for quick entry.

COVID-19 screening

All visitors will be asked COVID-19 screening questions when you arrive at the quarry.

Follow the arrows

Once you have passed the COVID-19 screening and have checked in, please follow the one way directional arrows through the change rooms as you make your way to the grassy area and quarry deck.

Make a splash!

Climb on the rafts, do a cannonball off the cliff jump or simply swim in the clean, cool water and enjoy the breathtaking scenery surrounding you.

Please remember to practice physical distancing during your visit by leaving at least 2 metres or 6 feet of space between yourself and others who are not part of your household or social bubble.

7 years and under

Regardless of swimming ability, children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at least 12 years old, who is responsible for direct supervision, to a maximum of 4 children wearing lifejackets. 

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.

 8 to 11 years

Child cannot complete swim test: 

Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is at least 12 years of age and responsible for their direct supervision. Maximum number of children 8 bathers to one parent/guardian (8:1) with approved life-jackets. These are to be worn by all non-swimmers in their charge. 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

Quarry swim test

Swim attire

Definitions

• Direct Supervision - Able to render immediate assistance, 'within arm's reach'.
• Guardian - A person of at least 12 years of age who is responsible for the children.

Welcome to the Quarry: What to expect, and rules

Swimming conditions:

• Water is deep. Depths vary throughout the season in swim area.
• Water may be cold
• Bottom is rocky and uneven
• Ladders may be difficult to climb
• You may feel/encounter: fish, weeds, slippery surfaces including stairs, rocks and ladders

Rules:

• Swimming under the rafts and other water features is not allowed
• Swim within the buoy area
• Please walk on the deck
• Get out of the water if you hear one long whistle blow
• First aid station and emergency phone are located in the lifeguard office
• Listen to the lifeguards at all times, ask questions if you are unsure

Swimming skills:

• Know your limitations, including physical fitness, swimming ability and medical conditions
• Lifejackets are available and free to use

Swim admission policy:

• Always swim with a buddy
• Stay 'within arm’s reach' of children

Cliff jump (water levels permitting)

Take a plunge off our cliff jump (water levels permitting).

• 8 years and up (green and blue bands)
• Feet first jumping only – no running, handstands, inwards, flips, dives, spinning etc.
• One person may jump at a time, all others please wait behind the line
• Look before you jump, wait until the area below is clear
• Jump straight off and exit quickly
• Do not climb or sit on the railings

Rafts

Perfect your cannonball or practice a fancy dive from either of our two rafts. 

Raft rules:

• Play safe
• One at a time on the slide
• Feet first down the slide

Stand-up paddleboard rentals

Details:

• 12 years and up
• Rentals must be paid and waivers signed prior to use
• Wear a lifejacket properly, with whistle attached, at all times
• Lifeguards will direct and assist users getting on and off board at platform
• Paddle alongside stone wall and remain on knees until past buoy line
• One person on a board at a time
• Rentals last 45 minutes and cost $10. The $10 fee is in addition to your quarry admission fee.

What time are you open?

Summer hours:

• Saturday June 19, Sunday June 20: 1:00–2:45pm, 3:15–5:00pm
• Saturday June 26, Sunday June 27: 1:00–2:45pm, 3:15–5:00pm
• Tuesday June 29 to Monday September 6: 1:00–2:45pm, 3:15–5:00pm, 5:30–7:30 pm

For further details, email aquatics@town.stmarys.on.ca

Why is the last swim two hours?

Do I need to book ahead?

Yes. Follow these simple steps to set up an account and then book a swim time.

Create an account with a mobile device such as a cell phone or tablet.

1. Using your browser, visit the ActiveNet Registration Page select Sign In/Up and locate the “Don’t have an account?” and click Join.
2. Enter the email address you would like to use as your login
3. Begin entering your personal information, and create a password.
4. Read and agree to the Terms of Use,Copyright Policy and Your Privacy Rights and click next.
5. Continue completing your personal information, click "I’m not a robot" and hit submit.
6. Once your account has been created, please check your email to activate your account.
7. After your account has been activated, you may now manage your account settings, including subscribing for communications, and adding family members to your account.
8. If you are accessing your account from your mobile device, please click the menu on the left top corner and select 'full site' to enable editing of your account.

Download a PDF Version of these instructions with screenshots.

Sign up for a swim time:

1. Visit the ActiveNet Registration Page.
2. Sign in with your email and password.
3. Select the Activities tab to see your list of options.                          
4. Choose the category St. Marys Quarry.
5. The next page displays all available times and dates in that category. Select the Enroll Now for your date and time.
6. Next, select the participant, respond to some basic questions, and finally click on Add to cart.
7. Select Finish and pay. You will be able to pay with a credit card.
8. You’ll receive a receipt as confirmation of your registration.

How far in advance can I register for a swim?

Registration is open Monday, June 14 at 9:00 am for June 19,20 and 26,27.

During the remainder of the summer season, registration is available 2 weeks in advance, starting at 9am.

Why do I have to register for a swim?

By registering in advance, you are helping us ensure we meet our new COVID-19 protocols. These protocols have been put in place to keep you, your family and our staff safe.

Why are you encouraging people to register for swims online? Why can’t everyone just pay in person?

We are encouraging online registration and payments for three main reasons:

1. Paying online means staff members don’t have to handle cash. This helps to protect our employees.
2. By entering your information online, you are helping us track who enters the quarry. This makes it easy for public health to do contact tracing, in case someone who uses the quarry tests positive for COVID-19.
3. Registering and paying online makes checking into the quarry quicker and easier.

If you are not able to reserve a swim online, call us at 519-284-2160 and we will assist you. 

What if I don’t have a credit card or access to the internet? How do I register?

What is your cancellation policy?

We require 48 hours notice for all cancellations. If you need to cancel, please call us at 519-284-3090 (Monday to Sunday, 1:00 to 7:30 pm) or email aquatics@town.stmarys.on.ca.

While we do not issue refunds, we will a credit on your account for a future booking, or switch your booking to another day/timeslot, if available.

Why are you only allowing 70 people in each swim? How did you decide on that number?

What is the price of admission?

Payment must be made at the time of registration; no in-person payments will be accepted at the quarry.  Due to the advance registration requirements, swim passes, YMCA memberships and St. Marys Public Library passes will not be accepted at this time.

Why has the cost to use the quarry gone up since last year?

Is there parking at the quarry?

What should I expect during the COVID-19 screening? 

Are the change rooms open?

Although our change rooms and washrooms will be open, we suggest that you arrive at the quarry with your swimsuit on. Only 5 people are allowed in the change rooms due to physical distancing requirements, so if do need to use them, you may have to wait in line.

The washrooms will be closed 10 minutes before each swim time in order to clean and get ready for the next swim time. The showers will not be available for use.

What amenities are available?

The rafts, cliff jump and paddleboard rentals are available this year; the trampoline, slide, inflatable waterpark and beach volleyball courts are unavailable.

Are food and beverages sold on site?

Will the quarry be cleaned after each swim?

How was the quarry constructed?

Where does the water in the quarry come from?

Information courtesy of Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) 

The water in the quarry originates from groundwater discharging from fractures or cracks in the bedrock, and from precipitation. Groundwater is always cold, staying within a few degrees of 10˚ Celsius, year round. As a result, the water in the quarry is cool during the swimming season and relatively warmer in the winter.

Groundwater levels are also fairly constant, varying only about 1 metre over the course of a year. Groundwater is at its highest in the winter/early spring, and relatively stable throughout the summer. During hot summers, water levels in the quarry may drop slightly due to increased evaporation and surface water temperatures may be warmer. 

How deep is the quarry?

Information courtesy of Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) 

Water depths in the quarry range from 3 to 10 metres.

What kinds of fish are in the quarry?

Information courtesy of Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) 

The main fish species found in the quarry are Common Carp, Pumpkinseed and Rock Bass. The fish are able to migrate between the west quarry fishing hole across the street and the quarry through the underwater tunnel connecting the two. In an open watercourse, species like Common Carp and Pumpkinseed would move to warmer portions of that waterbody. However, they are still able to survive in the colder water temperatures found in the quarry.

Common Carp
The Common Carp is a large, deep-bodied fish, varying in colour from silver to olive-green, brass or grey on the back and sides. It has whisker-like appendages called barbels near the corners of its mouth. Native to Asia, carp were introduced to North America from non-native populations in Europe. Common Carp adapt to a variety of conditions, tolerating all types of bottoms and water clarity ranging from clear to murky.

Pumpkinseed

The Pumpkinseed is a very deep-bodied, laterally compressed, almost disk-like fish. The fish’s breast and belly are orange to red-orange, and its back and sides are brown to olive. Its sides and back are speckled with orange, yellow, blue, and emerald spots. Pumpkinseeds can be found in large schools and often make up the largest portion of the fish population in small, warm bodies of water. Part of the sunfish family, the Pumpkinseed is native to eastern North America.

Rock Bass

The Rock Bass is a small and very deep-bodied fish. Its back and upper sides are brown to olive with golden tints, and often with dark saddles. It has a large red eye and its mouth is large and extends backwards to below the middle of the eye. The Rock Bass is part of the sunfish family and can be found swimming with other sunfish and bass. It is a cool-water fish native to Ontario.

Can I swim or boat in the west/fishing quarry?

Can I bring my pet?