CANORA — The Canora swimming pool will be operational for one more season in 2022, which marks the 50th anniversary from when it opened in 1972. It’s also 36 years since the pool’s basin renovation in 1986.
The pool is now taking registrations for swimming lessons, according to Aaron Herriges, Leisure Services Director.
“Our returning manager, Mackenzie Gulka has her new and returning staff members up to speed and expectations will be the same as prior seasons,” said Herriges.
“I’m glad Mackenzie is back again this year. She handles the position so well and has collected so much knowledge over the years from working at the university pool and here in town. I get lots of positive feedback from the public how well she manages the pool and our staff likes working with her too. We joke a little that she’ll always be coming back for the next season. So far that’s been the case. Our customers must be treating her really well for her to like the position so much.”
Barring any unforeseen complications, the staff was preparing for a June 1 opening.
“It really depends how fast our chemicals balance. Hopefully we have no issues with our circulation and system when we start it up,” said Gulka.
“This will be my seventh year working at the Canora swimming pool so I am very excited for another season. Each year I say it's my last but somehow I keep returning each summer.
“I really enjoying working at the pool and a huge part of that would be the patrons and the returning kids each year for swimming lessons as well as the staff. It's crazy to think that I've even taught a few of our staff members swimming lessons!”
Gulka said operations will be run similar to last summer with group lessons running for two weeks and private lessons running for one-week sessions. More information about swimming lessons can be found on the Town of Canora website or the swimming pool Facebook page.
“Our swimming lesson registration has started off slow this spring so I would like to see lots more of new registration forms within the next few weeks,” encouraged Gulka.
Gulka said they are attempting be flexible in order to make lessons available to as many swimmers as possible.
“We are trying to organize one week of group lessons which are twice a day for five days, so we are hoping the public would be interested in this for those who are unable to commit to the full two weeks. But right now we are just wondering about interest.”
“This June we finally get to offer school swimming again since last summer we were not allowed due to COVID-19. We have full days of school swimming booked with CCS and CJES so it will be awesome to have everyone enjoy the water.”
Group swimming lessons are scheduled to being on June 6, but check the Town of Canora website for any last-minute changes.
In addition to Gulka, the members of the 2022 Canora swimming pool staff are: Emma Mykytyshyn, Emily Owchar, Drea Beblow, Breanne Woloshyn, Bella Mykytyshyn, Lexie Belitski, Zoё Thomas, Maggie Robertson, Robin Skurat, Brandon Harder, Michael Owchar, Ava Love, Sofia Tratch, Makayla Heshka and Miah Ruf.
“Ava, Sofia, Makayla, and Miah are new to the team this summer,” said Gulka. “This will be their first summer working as lifeguards and I am super excited for them to start at the pool as I believe they will be a great asset to our team.
“Emma, Emily, and Drea all have many years of experience at the Canora pool and I am extremely thankful for them because they show great leadership skills and help things run smoothly.
“This summer we will have 13 certified instructors at the end of June out of our 16 staff members so we are all excited to start instructing lessons.”
Gulka said she is looking forward to the last year of swimming in the existing swimming pool, knowing that the new Canora Aquatic Park is scheduled to be ready for 2023.
“I know all of us staff are excited for the opening of the new pool and I think it's one of the best things to happen to our community!”
