The swimming pool at the Hôpital Glengarry Memorial Hospital (HGMH) in Alexandria has officially reopened and North Glengarry residents can access the facility for public swimming.
During the summer of 2023, the Township of North Glengarry and the hospital announced a partnership to work on the reopening of the HGMH Pool to the public. Over the following months, staff from both organizations worked closely together on admission specifications and lifeguarding requirements to conform with the Eastern Ontario Health Units regulations.
“We are pleased to see that the Township’s partnership with the HGMH has brought back a valuable asset for the enjoyment and wellbeing of our community”, North Glengarry Mayor Jamie MacDonald said in a press release.
As part of a gradual start, the pool reopened for public swimming as of March 5, 2024, on two weekday evenings, Tuesdays, and Fridays, and on Saturdays.
The hours and schedule for the pool are:
Tuesday 4 pm – 5:30 pm Senior Swim
6 pm – 7:30 pm Public Swim
Friday 4 pm – 5:30 pm Public Swim
6 pm – 7:30 pm Senior Swim
Saturday 9 am – 10:30 am Senior Swim
10:30 am – 12 pm Public Swim
12:30 pm – 2 pm Parents & Tots
2 pm – 3:30 pm Public Swim
Due to the limited availability of lifeguards, swimming lessons are not offered at this time, but the township is continuing to explore different options for the future.
“It has been a challenge to find a lifeguard,” North Glengarry Director of Community Services Anne Leduc told township council at its February 26 meeting.
“This is very exciting news. I’ve had lots of requests from people about when the pool’s going to reopen,” commented Councillor Jeff Manley.
He is hopeful swimming lessons and aquafit programs will eventually be offered at the pool.
Leduc said the township is very interested to hire a lifeguard who is available to work during the day at the pool. The current lifeguards are only available two evenings per week and on Saturdays.
Individuals interested in using the Pool must register and pay ahead of time using the township’s Reservations Calendar software at https://app.univerusrec.com/northglengarrypub/courses/index.asp.
Payments in cash can be made at the Tim Hortons Dome located at 202 St-George Street West in Alexandria.
Cash payments or walk-ins will NOT be accepted at the Pool.
HGMH will be offering a reduced package for parking passes for pool users only. A 10 pack of passes will be available for $30.00 and can be purchased directly at the Hospital’s Business Office, located at the Main Entrance of the hospital, beside the Gift Shop.
At the February 26 North Glengarry council meeting, Deputy Mayor Carma Williams asked which costs of operating the pool will be paid by the hospital and which costs will be paid by township.
“The hospital is assuming all costs for the pool,” Leduc said.
She further explained that the township is paying for lifeguard’s supplies and wages. All fee revenue from the pool will be kept by the township.
